Earlier quoted context omitted.
When you bring an unpaired AirPods case close to a phone, all you need to do is open the lid. A photorealistic visual will appear on screen explaining what to do next. At this point, guided by the visual, you need to push the button on the back. If you can think of a simpler way, I’d give Apple a call.
With an iphone maybe so. But open the lid with the airpods inside. She couldnt figure it out.
In which case, fair enough perhaps, but it feels a tad unfair to put the burden of universal discovery for all host devices on Apple.
And is it really that un-discoverable? What would you do on any other Bluetooth device? You'd look for a button. What is there on the AirPods case? A button.
I still say: if you have a simpler idea, let's hear it.
Edit: and, I'm sure the AirPods come with a folded slip of paper in the box, as all Apple products do, explaining the very basics of how to get the thing working.