Can AirPods 3rd Gen be used with iPhone for work?

Hello ChrisRounder,

You can utilize Automatic Ear Detection as outlined below:

By default, AirPods sense when they're in your ear and receive the audio from your device. AirPods also pause and resume playback when you remove one of your AirPods, or stop playback—and won't resume—when you remove both. When you have Automatic Ear Detection on and you're not wearing your AirPods, audio plays through your device's speakers.

When you turn off Automatic Ear Detection, these features are off and all audio plays to your AirPods whether or not you're wearing them.

You can also find that information in this resource: Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

You may also want to consider keeping your AirPods in the case while they are in your pocket. That would allow your AirPods to charge when not in use, help keep them better protected, and prevent build up of pocket lint or debris.

Hopefully that addresses your inquiry.

Take care.

Automatic Ear Detection pauses media when I remove one of my airpods which I do not like. So I turn off ear detection and everything is fine except:

now and then , I will have several bluetooth paired, and connected, and then use the airplay menu to select which audio device I would like. I lay everything out on the desk including airpods, and play to the speaker over bluetooth.

even if I am playing music to bluetooth stereo for half hour already, my airpods in their case, closed, on my desk, will inexplicably begin to play the audio instead of the speakers. Why why why?

laszlo_heredy wrote:

Automatic Ear Detection pauses media when I remove one of my airpods which I do not like. So I turn off ear detection and everything is fine except:

now and then , I will have several bluetooth paired, and connected, and then use the airplay menu to select which audio device I would like. I lay everything out on the desk including airpods, and play to the speaker over bluetooth.

even if I am playing music to bluetooth stereo for half hour already, my airpods in their case, closed, on my desk, will inexplicably begin to play the audio instead of the speakers. Why why why?

Are you saying the AirPods are playing music while they are in a closed case? If that's true, there's something very wrong. If the case isn't closed, close it.