Gurugram school student builds open-source app LibrePods to bring full AirPods features to Android users worldwide

India is a talent hub, and Kavish Devar, a 15-year-old student from Gurugram, is yet another example to prove this statement. The teenager surprised the global tech community as he created an open-source app called LibrePods that brings nearly the full AirPods experience to Android and Linux devices. Something even major companies have not managed to achieve. The project has been live on GitHub for some time, but it recently went viral again after a social media post drew new attention.

For years, AirPods have offered their smart features only when connected to an iPhone. On Android, they worked like basic Bluetooth earphones. LibrePods changes this situation in a major way and has now become a widely discussed topic online.

What are LibrePods?

LibrePods is an app that makes AirPods behave as if they are connected to an Apple device even when used with Android or Linux. Kavish managed to understand Apple’s closed communication system and built a tool that gives users access to features that were earlier limited to the iPhone. The app is free to use and completely open source, which means anyone can look at the code and understand how it works.

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AirPods features that become available

Once the app is installed and set up, Android users can access features that were missing till now. This includes ear detection, noise control modes, transparency mode, head gesture controls, hearing support tools and accurate battery levels for each earbud and the case. The app also supports auto play and pause, a function that reacts when the user removes or wears the earbuds. Newer models like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max get more advanced tools, while older versions still gain basic features like battery status.

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How to download and set up LibrePods to use AirPods on Android

Users who want to try LibrePods on their Android device can follow these easy steps:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Go to the official LibrePods page on GitHub.
3. Scroll to the Releases section.
4. Download the latest APK file.
5. Allow installation from unknown sources in your phone settings if prompted.
6. Install the app on your Android device.
7. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone.
8. Press and hold the button on your AirPods case until the light starts blinking.
9. Select your AirPods from the Bluetooth list and pair them normally.
10. Connect AirPods with LibrePods.
11. Open the LibrePods app after pairing.
12. Select your AirPods model inside the app.
13. Follow the on-screen steps to enable features like ear detection, noise modes and battery details.

Once everything is set up, your AirPods will show more advanced options in the app. Just keep in mind that you might run into a few bugs while using it. For example, we noticed that the maximum volume is limited when you use a music app that doesn’t support lossless audio.

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Why the global tech world is impressed

Tech publication The Verge was among the first to highlight the project. It called the work a rare breakthrough because it brings iPhone-specific features to devices outside Apple’s ecosystem. Many online users have praised the teenager for challenging the limits set by large companies. LibrePods has also attracted interest because it is open source and comes with detailed documentation.