Since the introduction of the first-generation AirPods, the charging case has used a physical button on the back. With the AirPods 4th generation, Apple has replaced this with a hidden capacitive button.
This is a touch-sensitive button that works by detecting the change in capacitance when a conductive object, such as a finger, touches it. This button allows you to restore your AirPods or connect them to another device. Additionally, the status light is now hidden when not in use.
AirPods 4 touch-sensitive button
The previous generations of AirPods all have a physical button on the back of the charging case. As a user, you need this button to restore the wireless earbuds, connect to other devices or when you want to share audio.
The AirPods 4th generation still have a button with these functions, but it is now hidden. The new charging case has a touch-sensitive button (capacitive) just below the status light.
By pressing the front of the charging case, you can activate the button and use it for different purposes. The functions associated with the capacitive button are the same as the previous generations, only the button is no longer visible.
Invisible status light
Not only is the button no longer visible, Apple has also hidden the status light. From now on, it is only visible when it is on and colored green, red or orange. Other AirPods charging cases show a disabled (gray) light.
To check the battery status of the charging case, briefly press the front of the charging case to activate the status light. You can read more about the AirPods status light here.
In the video above, you can see the new status light in action. In addition, you can also see that there is no physical button on the back of the charging case in the animation.
Solution for counterfeit AirPods?
Apple probably hid the status light and button for two reasons: it looks sleeker and it’s harder to copy. AirPods are a typical product that is heavily counterfeited. A physical button and visible light are easier to copy than hidden elements. Hopefully this will reduce the number of counterfeit AirPods.
