Starting with iOS 18, it’s possible to control Siri with head gestures when wearing AirPods. Curious how that works? Here’s how to turn it on!
Control AirPods with head gestures
iOS 18 not only brings new features to your iPhone, AirPods are also getting new features. From iOS 18, it is possible to answer Siri via head gestures when you wear AirPods. In addition, you can accept or reject calls with simple gestures. By nodding your head you accept a phone call, rejecting is done by shaking your head.
So you no longer have to press the stems of the AirPods to answer calls. Very handy, especially if you are in a room where you can’t talk loudly or have your hands full. Apple brings the new function to the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4. With these AirPods it is possible to respond to Siri and calls via head gestures. We explain how to enable the function on the earphones.
Enable Siri head gestures
To use Siri head gestures while wearing AirPods, your iPhone must be running iOS 18. AirPods support the feature starting with firmware version 7A294. Once you’ve updated all of your devices to the latest software version, remove your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 from the charging case and connect them to your iPhone (or iPad). Here’s how to enable head gestures:
- Open ‘Settings’ on your iPhone;
- Go to ‘Bluetooth’ and tap the ‘i’ behind your AirPods;
- Scroll down and select ‘Head gestures’;
- Finally, turn on the switch behind ‘Head gestures’.
Have you enabled head gestures? Then you can also adjust how the gestures work in the AirPods settings. By default, accepting calls is done by moving your head up and down, rejecting them is done by shaking your head from side to side. It is possible to adjust these settings if you prefer. This way you determine which head gestures you use to answer Siri and other calls when you wear AirPods.
More about the AirPods
Want to respond to calls and notifications with Siri head gestures when you’re wearing AirPods? First, you’ll need to enable Announce Caller. You can do this in your iPhone’s settings under Apps > Phone > Announce Caller > Headphones Only. The same goes for responding to notifications with head gestures. To do this, go to Notifications > Announce Notifications and turn on the switch.
With these settings enabled, you can respond to Siri, calls, and notifications using head gestures while wearing your AirPods. Other features coming to AirPods with iOS 18 include Voice Isolation and an improved Game Mode. Are your AirPods not working with the new features? Apple is only bringing Siri head gestures to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Check out the best AirPods prices here so you never pay too much!