This game turns AirPods into motion controllers for ‘iPhone racing’

Apple AirPods

A new iPhone game called RidePods has found an inventive way to use Apple’s AirPods — not just for listening, but as motion controllers for steering. The title is now available on the App Store and makes use of the earbuds’ built-in head tracking technology.

Instead of tapping or swiping, RidePods relies on subtle head movements to control the game. Players steer their motorcycle by tilting their head left or right while wearing compatible AirPods. The feature repurposes the same head tracking sensors that Apple designed for spatial audio, giving iPhone users a hands-free way to race.

The idea may not be practical for long gaming sessions, but it offers a fun and intuitive twist on iPhone gameplay. It also shows how Apple’s existing hardware can support more experimental use cases without needing extra accessories.

RidePods works with all AirPods models that include head tracking support. That covers AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max.

By blending Apple’s audio technology with mobile gaming, RidePods highlights a new way developers can rethink the role of wearables. Whether it becomes a lasting trend or remains a clever novelty, it expands the possibilities of what AirPods can do beyond sound.