Just a theory, but it might have something to do with what they called time of travel for the Bluetooth. It's what they used for unlocking a mac with the Apple Watch. More on reddit.com

So for iPhones, they connect individually. For other devices, you need the case to put them into pairing mode. So my understanding of it is that when you put the case into pairing mode, then connect it. The case forwards the signal to both earbuds. Which technically connects both of them individually aswell to the computer. But you just don’t see it since it’s identified as the same device. More on reddit.com

Open the AirPods charging case while your AirPods are inside, then place it next to your iPhone. On your iPhone, a setup animation appears. Tap Connect. And once the AirPods are connected, tap Done. For more detailed info, check out this Apple Support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/104989 More on reddit.com

Every reviewer: "ApPle AiRpOdS r GrEaT bEcAuSE tHeY uSe ApPlE W2 cHiP fOR eAsY PaIrInG" Seriously, they parade about how useful this Apple W2 chip is when all it does is make the initial pairing process slightly easier than regular bluetooth headphones. Every time I switch devices (Mac, iPad, iPhone) - I have to manually change the bluetooth connection as if it were any ordinary bluetooth set. What a useless chip, take it out and make it cost less. Edit: Just to be clear, I love my AirPods and would buy them again (and reccomend to everyone) BUT if Apple released an option for one without that custom Apple W2 chip for $20 less then I’d buy them instead. More on reddit.com