AirPods Get a New Life as a Game Controller with “RidePods”
CUPERTINO, CA - September 28, 2025 – Apple’s AirPods are now capable of controlling a video game, thanks to a newly released App Store title called RidePods – race with Head. Developer Ali Tanis has ingeniously repurposed teh motion-sensing capabilities within spatial audio-enabled AirPods to create a unique motorbike racing experience steered entirely by head movements.
This marks the first instance of a game utilizing AirPods as a motion controller, potentially unlocking a new avenue for interactive experiences on Apple devices. RidePods allows players to navigate a virtual racetrack by tilting their head left and right, while forward and backward head motions control acceleration and braking. the breakthrough demonstrates the untapped potential of Apple’s hardware and could inspire developers to explore innovative applications beyond audio.
Tanis discovered the possibility while working on a separate project weeks ago, realizing the AirPods’ spatial sound sensors could be interpreted as motion data. He quickly developed RidePods, wich Apple later approved for distribution on the App Store.
Currently, the game is compatible only with AirPods Pro and the third and fourth generations of AirPods, which feature the necessary motion sensors. The developer shared a demonstration of the gameplay on Twitter, showcasing the head-controlled steering.
The implications extend beyond a single motorbike game. Tanis’s work highlights a creative use of existing Apple APIs, suggesting a future where motion-controlled applications become more prevalent on iPhones and iPads. This advancement could spur further innovation in gaming and other interactive fields, offering developers new ways to engage users.
