AirPods are already among Apple’s best audio devices, known for their full range of features. With options like Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking and Live Listen, Apple has ensured users get the most out of their wireless earbuds. Now, with the upcoming iOS 26 update, AirPods are set to receive six new features that will make them even more powerful and personalized.
Apple just launched the iOS 26 beta update at WWDC25, and as expected, it’s packed with tons of new features (and yes, a fair share of bugs). But putting the bugs aside, iOS 26 feels like a major overhaul. It’s almost like an entirely new iOS experience.
Alongside all the changes for iPhone, Apple also has some big plans for AirPods. According to MacRumors, here are the six new AirPods features coming with iOS 26:
Table of Contents
1. Studio-Quality Recording: No Mic Needed
Apple is introducing studio-quality recording for AirPods that is perfect for interviews, podcasts, videos, and even music recordings. This feature lets you capture high-quality vocals on the go using the iPhone’s voice isolation technology that filters out background noise.
This will be helpful when you’re recording a quick podcast episode or shooting a vlog. This will remove the need for an external mic setup. You can just put on your AirPods, hit record, and you’re good to go, no cables required.
2. Camera Remote
With iOS 26, your AirPods will double as a remote control for the iPhone Camera app. It should be compatible with third-party camera apps, too. Useful when you’re trying to capture group photos or solo shots without fiddling with a timer.
You will need to connect your AirPods, open the Camera app, and press and hold the AirPods stem to take a photo or start video recording. Just press and hold again to stop recording.
It’s quicker than using an Apple Watch, which requires extra taps and menu navigation. With AirPods, you will get a hands-free way to capture moments. It will be perfect for content creators.
3. Auto-Pause Audio When You Fall Asleep
We’ve all been there, falling asleep while listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, only to wake up in the middle of the night to random audio or find our battery nearly dead by morning.
With the new update, Apple is adding a thoughtful feature to AirPods. Your audio will automatically pause when you fall asleep. You simply need to enable the new “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” option in the AirPods settings.
The only thing you need to remember is to have the latest AirPods firmware and iOS 26 installed. Also, this feature works with Beats earbuds. This is a small but smart addition for better sleep and battery life.
4. Enhanced Call and Audio Quality
The H2 chip in the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 can expect richer, more natural audio, especially during calls. It will work on an iPhone call, FaceTime, or using apps like Zoom. The vocal texture will sound more lifelike and clear.
This improved audio quality isn’t just for calls. It also extends to studio-quality recordings and works across devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You’ll notice the difference in apps like the Camera app, Voice Memos, Messages dictation, and even third-party camera or video conferencing apps. In short, your AirPods will sound better.
5. Keep Audio in Headphones
You might have experienced this issue when using CarPlay and AirPods. It automatically switches to car speakers or Bluetooth speakers when you’re listening to music on the AirPods.. It can be annoying, especially when you’re deep into a podcast or a playlist.
Apple is fixing this with a new toggle: Keep Audio in Headphones. When enabled, your audio will stay in your AirPods even when you enter your car or connect to other Bluetooth devices.
You can enable it by heading to: Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity. It’s a small but useful feature.
6. Easier Beta Updates for AirPods
With iOS 26, Apple is making it easier to install beta firmware updates on your AirPods. Now, when you connect your AirPods to your iPhone and open the Settings app, you’ll see a new update interface inside your AirPods’ settings.
This will let developers and enthusiasts opt into beta features without the usual hassle.
Some of these features are already live in the iOS 26 Beta 2 update, and it’ll be interesting to see what the final stable release brings later this year. While not every feature is groundbreaking, each one adds genuine utility to the AirPods experience. Stay tuned for more updates like this.
