Modern smartphones from Apple have a wide functionality of the multimedia system, allowing you to share audio content with the interlocutor without the need to transfer the device from hand to hand. However, when it comes to connecting wireless accessories from third-party manufacturers like Xiaomi or Redmi, users often face the limitations of the standard iOS interface. TWS-Headsets are wondering whether it is possible to organize the simultaneous operation of two devices on the same signal source.
The technical implementation of this process depends on the version of the operating system and the model of your smartphone. While the Apple ecosystem natively supports the Audio Sharing function for its AirPods and Beats branded headphones, the situation is more complicated with devices of other brands. The standard Bluetooth protocol does not always allow you to transfer stereo stream to two different receivers simultaneously without the use of special software crutches or hardware adapters.
In this article, we will look at all the available ways to solve this problem, from compatibility checks to the use of specialized applications from the App Store. You will learn which Xiaomi models have built-in multi-connection support, and where you will have to resort to alternative methods of broadcasting sound.
Technical Limitations of Bluetooth on iOS
A fundamental problem is the architecture of the Bluetooth protocol in the iOS environment. By default, the system is configured to output sound to only one active playback device. This is done to ensure connection stability and minimize delays, which is critical for calls and games. Trying to connect a second headset through a standard menu often leads to the system automatically disabling the first device.
However, there is Bluetooth 5.0 and higher technology that theoretically supports data transfer to multiple devices (the Dual Audio feature).The problem is that Apple implements this feature selectively. Owners of Xiaomi devices often find themselves in a situation where their gadgets are technically capable of working in multipoint mode, but iOS software restrictions block this feature for unlicensed accessories.
⚠️ Note: Not all iPhone models support simultaneous audio streaming even when two pairs of compatible headphones are available. Make sure your device is not older than the iPhone 8, as on older models, the Bluetooth module may not be able to handle the encoding of two threads without significant quality losses.
It's important to understand the difference between Multipoint and audio split mode. Multipoint allows headphones to connect to two different sources (like a phone and a laptop), but not the other way around. We need the opposite: one source and two receivers. The standard Bluetooth stack in iOS simply doesn't have a "Add a second output device" button for third-party brands in the basic settings.
However, Xiaomi and Apple engineers periodically update firmware, adding support for new codecs and protocols, so it is always worth checking the relevance of the iOS version and firmware of the headphones themselves through the official Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app, if it is available for your model.
Checking Compatibility of Xiaomi Models
Before you start to do complex manipulations, you need to make sure that your headphones support the necessary protocols at all. TWS-Headsets from the Chinese manufacturer are the same. Flagship series like Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4 have more advanced chips that interact better with the iOS ecosystem than budget Redmi Buds or AirDots.
The key factor is that the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) profile is supported in snoochronization mode. If the headphones use older versions of Bluetooth (below 5.0), the probability of successfully connecting two pairs to one iPhone tends to zero without using external adapters. Also, the type of codec matters: AAC runs on iOS more stable than SBC or aptX, which the iPhone does not support.
Below is a table showing the approximate compatibility of popular models with the audio split mode on iOS:
| Model headphones | Bluetooth version | Support for iOS | Probability of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | 5.3 | Tall. | 85% |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 | 5.2 | Medium | 60% |
| Redmi Buds 4 | 5.3 | Medium | 50% |
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 | 5.0 | Low. | 10% |
It’s worth noting that even if the model is listed as “compatible,” it doesn’t guarantee 100% results. Much depends on the specific revision of the headphone board and the regional version of the firmware. Users often note that the global versions (Global Version) work with the iPhone more stable than the Chinese (CN Version), due to different MFi (Made for iPhone) certificates, although Xiaomi does not formally require this for basic work.
For a precise check, download the Xiaomi Earbuds app from the App Store, which not only updates the firmware, but also shows the exact model name and firmware version. Sometimes updating to the latest version through this app will unlock hidden compatibility features.