This simple but controversial magnet solves one of the biggest problems with Apple Airpods (AAPL)

February 28, 2017

This simple but controversial magnet solves one of the biggest problems with Apple Airpods (AAPL)

Apple's truly wireless earbuds, AirPods, have one design problem: What do you do with them if you take them out of your ears but you don't want to put the tiny, losable earbuds back into their case?

A new solution from designer Jens Munkeby wants to fix this problem by putting a magnet on your shirt. Then you can just stick the AirPods to the magnet.

Like so:

The magnet brooch goes on sale on Kickstarter on Tuesday. Aside from its functionality, the magnet brooch, called Ealing Enn, is beautifully designed and attractive. One costs $65 from Kickstarter.

As someone who has struggled with what to do with a loose AirPod — before I lost my pair entirely — I immediately recognized the need for and utility of this new accessory.

But I was quickly mocked by my colleagues at Business Insider's tech section, who said that clipping AirPods to your chest was the equivalent of advertising the fact you're using a very dorky-looking tech gadget. One colleague simply said "no" to the entire concept.

But if you've already made the plunge to wear AirPods despite their dorky looks, the beautifully-designed Ealing Enn could help make sure your $159 earbuds stay yours. Check out their Kickstarter here.

Enn