With iOS 26, Apple is bringing a number of new options to the AirPods, making them extra helpful than earlier than. The added performance can be accessible this fall when Apple releases iOS 26 and up to date AirPods firmware, however you possibly can check every part new proper now.
Digital camera Distant
The AirPods can be utilized as a digicam distant for the Digital camera app or third-party iOS digicam apps. You will must allow the characteristic if you wish to use it, and you are able to do so by connecting your AirPods to your iPhone, opening up the AirPods part within the Settings app, after which selecting the Digital camera Distant possibility.
As soon as the characteristic is turned on, utilizing it is so simple as popping in your AirPods, opening the digicam app, after which urgent and holding on the AirPods stem to take a photograph or begin a video recording.
Once you’re completed, a second press and maintain gesture will cease the recording. 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 one-press bodily gesture slightly than a collection of steps that embrace opening an Apple Watch app.
Studio-High quality Recording
The AirPods 4 and the AirPods Professional 2 now supply recording studio-quality audio for interviews, podcasts, songs, movies, and extra. Apple says that the characteristic can be utilized to document high-quality vocals whereas on the go, with background sounds filtered out due to Voice Isolation.
You may document higher-quality audio when making movies or utilizing your units to do issues like document a podcast.
Improved Name 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 help the Digital camera app, Voice Memos, Messages dictation, third-party digicam apps, and video conferencing apps.
Pause Audio for Sleep
If you happen to’re listening to music, a podcast, or a guide when you’re in mattress and also you’re sporting AirPods, the AirPods will pause your audio once 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 may want the brand new AirPods firmware and iOS 26. Along with saving your spot in an audiobook or podcast, it’ll additionally protect battery by turning your AirPods off so they don’t seem to be working all night time.
This characteristic additionally works with Beats earbuds.
Preserve Audio in Headphones
iOS 26 addresses an irritating situation that occurs with CarPlay and AirPods. There is a “Preserve Audio in Headphones” possibility that stops audio from switching to automotive audio system or Bluetooth audio system once you’re listening to music by way of the AirPods.
With the choice on, your music will proceed taking part in in your AirPods once you get within the automotive. You may flip it on in iOS 26 by going to Settings > Normal > AirPlay and Continuity.
Charging Reminders
Apple improved AirPods charging in iOS 26, and the AirPods Charging case will now extra clearly point out charging standing. You will additionally see reminders when it is time to cost your AirPods so that you’re much less more likely to run out of battery.
There is a inexperienced mild when the AirPods are absolutely charged, a pulsing amber mild once they’re charging, and a darker amber mild that permits you to know that it is time for a cost as a result of the battery is getting low.
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 once you join your AirPods to your iPhone and faucet into them within the Settings app.
Tips on how to Get the New AirPods Options Now
To check out the brand new iOS 26 AirPods options, you may want to put in the iOS 26 public beta or the iOS 26 developer beta. The developer beta requires a free developer account, however anybody can join the iOS 26 public beta.
Simply go to Apple’s beta web site and comply with the steps.
Upon getting iOS 26 put in, you possibly can join your AirPods after which open up the AirPods part of the Settings app. From there, scroll all the way down to AirPods Beta Updates and toggle on beta firmware.
Put the AirPods within the charging case and put them close to your iPhone to set off the beta firmware to be downloaded on the AirPods. As soon as your AirPods are working the beta firmware, you may see settings for the brand new choices within the AirPods part of the Settings app.
Learn Extra
We’ve got a devoted iOS 26 roundup that goes into element on all the new options which are accessible within the replace.
