Does AirPods posture tracking work without music?
Published
Poise does not require music or a podcast. Head-motion updates are separate from the audio you choose to play. Poise uses its own audio session to support background monitoring and reminders.
Why a player indicator can appear in silence
The app keeps a background audio session available while monitoring. That can make iOS show playback activity even when you have not started a song. The indicator is not evidence that Poise is recording your microphone or listening to your surroundings.
Poise reads motion data from your headphones. The raw motion processing happens on your iPhone. Its privacy policy separately explains analytics and subscription services.
What changes when music is playing?
The current audio implementation mixes with other audio. A reminder can briefly lower other audio while the cue plays, then return it. That is different from stopping the song and making you restart it. You can preview the cue through Settings, Choose Nudge Sound.
Heading out? Use Poise while walking with music, a podcast or nothing playing.
Can I lock my phone?
Yes, you can lock your phone. Enable Background Posture Monitoring so Poise can keep tracking and nudging while the screen is locked or the app is minimized. Check Active Hours so your session falls within your chosen schedule.
Keep supported headphones connected to that iPhone. If you force-quit Poise, reopen it before expecting the background behavior to resume.
Does Poise work during calls?
Yes. Poise can keep monitoring your head position and give reminders during calls through your connected headphones. Keep Background Posture Monitoring enabled when Poise is not on screen.
Check the behavior on your setup
- Calibrate in Poise with the headphones connected to your iPhone.
- Check monitoring with no music playing.
- Try your usual music or podcast, then check the sound preview.
- With background monitoring enabled, lock the phone and confirm behavior when you return.
- Try Poise during a call as well.
The app version, headphones, firmware and other audio apps can affect the result.
For setup details, see the desk guide. For a problem with a particular step, use the troubleshooting checklist.
See Poise in action
Watch the founder demonstration, then check the compatible headphones and setup steps.