AirPods and Snooping?

[pcrchicago]

I've tried search but can't seem to find if anyone has any insight into this... Since it looks like AirPods or W1-enabled Beats headphones will automatically pop up a pairing notification with any nearby iPhone, does this mean that the person sitting next to you on an airplane or on a bus/subway (in tight spaces) will see a pairing notification for my AirPods on their iPhone?

With typical NFC, you have to be within a certain few inches, and this is entirely possible in an airplane seat or on a crowded bus.

 

[matrix07]

I've tried search but can't seem to find if anyone has any insight into this... Since it looks like AirPods or W1-enabled Beats headphones will automatically pop up a pairing notification with any nearby iPhone, does this mean that the person sitting next to you on an airplane or on a bus/subway (in tight spaces) will see a pairing notification for my AirPods on their iPhone?

With typical NFC, you have to be within a certain few inches, and this is entirely possible in an airplane seat or on a crowded bus.

The pop up will happen only one time, and the case must be very close to the phone.. like inches.

 

[chemex]

I don't believe that it's actually NFC, I believe its Bluetooth Low Energy (ble for short). I believe they said pairing is authenticated through iCloud so once you pair it with your phone it should be secure.