iOS 26 provides new performance to the AirPods, which might be obtainable this fall when Apple releases iOS 26 and new AirPods firmware to the general public.

Digicam Distant
The AirPods can be utilized as a digital camera distant for the Digicam app or third-party iOS digital camera apps. Simply join your AirPods to your iPhone, open the Digicam app, after which press and maintain on the AirPods stem to take a photograph or begin a video recording.
While you’re completed, a second press and maintain gesture will cease the recording. If in case you have an Apple Watch, you possibly can already management your iPhone remotely out of your wrist, however the AirPods have the potential to be even faster since it is a bodily gesture fairly than a sequence of steps that embrace opening an Apple Watch app.
Studio-High quality Recording
The AirPods 4 and the AirPods Professional 2 assist recording studio-quality audio for interviews, podcasts, songs, movies, and extra. Apple says that the function can be utilized to document high-quality vocals whereas on the go, with background sounds filtered out because of Voice Isolation.
You’ll be able to document higher-quality audio when making movies or utilizing your gadgets to do issues like document a podcast.
Improved Audio High quality
The H2 chip within the AirPods 4 and AirPods Professional 2 brings extra pure vocal texture and readability to iPhone calls, FaceTime calls, and all CallKit-enabled apps like Zoom.
Studio-quality audio recording and improved name high quality can be found throughout iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and assist the Digicam app, Voice Memos, Messages dictation, third-party digital camera apps, and video conferencing apps.
Beta Updates
With iOS 26, Apple is including an choice to extra simply set up beta updates on AirPods. There is a new replace interface whenever you join your AirPods to your iPhone and faucet into them within the Settings app.
Pause Audio for Sleep
In the event you’re listening to music, a podcast, or a ebook when you’re in mattress and also you’re sporting AirPods, the AirPods will pause your audio whenever you go to sleep if you happen to toggle on the brand new “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” possibility.
You will discover it within the AirPods settings after connecting your AirPods to your iPhone, however you will want the brand new AirPods firmware and iOS 26. Along with saving your spot in an audiobook or podcast, it should additionally protect battery by turning your AirPods off so they don’t seem to be operating all evening.
This function additionally works with Beats earbuds.
Preserve Audio in Headphones
iOS 26 addresses an irritating problem that occurs with CarPlay and AirPods. There is a new “Preserve Audio in Headphones” possibility that stops audio from switching to automotive audio system or Bluetooth audio system whenever you’re listening to music by way of the AirPods.
With the choice on, your music will proceed taking part in in your AirPods whenever you get within the automotive. You’ll be able to flip it on in iOS 26 by going to Settings > Common > AirPlay and Continuity.
Learn Extra
We’ve a devoted iOS 26 roundup that goes into element on all the new options which are obtainable within the replace.
