iPhone Keeps Playing After Removing AirPod

hemmes,

You're correct, there should be a pause in the music when removing one or both AirPods. 

Have the AirPods always played the music immediately, or has this just recently started happening?

We do recommend trying to reset the AirPods to see if this will help with the behavior you are experiencing. How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

If resetting doesn’t correct this behavior, we recommend reaching out to Apple Support by going to Get Support.

Have a great day!

Hello hemmes,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. We're happy to help.

From what you are describing with your AirPods, it sounds like Automatic Ear Detection settings may need to be changed. Take a look at AirPods User Guide – Change audio settings for AirPods (1st or 2nd generation), and go to the section “Turn off Automatic Ear Detection”. 

If you still need assistance, please reach back out to us.

Cheers!

hemmes,

We understand not wanting to change feature settings that you like and use. The iPhone should be remembering the set volume prior to connecting the AirPods. Is it possible you can turn the iPhone's volume down prior to connecting your AirPods? If so, give this step a try and if it still reverts back to the highest volume setting then try the steps found in AirPods User Guide - Unpair, restart, or reset your AirPods.

Take care!