Apple will be rolling out iOS 26 soon. While the tech giant has teased several new upgrades to its OS, there is a lot more coming to Apple devices. AirPods fans are likely to witness some cool features on their favourite audio device.
According to recent reports, the new upgrades will be integrated into Apple AirPods following the launch of iOS 26. From improved audio quality to AirPods functioning as a camera remote, here’s a quick look at a few of the changes that we may see on the AirPods.
Camera Remote
One of the most handy features would be using the AirPod’s stem as the camera remote. This may happen after the iOS 26 update. One simply needs to connect their AirPods to the iPhone, open the camera app, and press and hold the stem of the AirPod to record or capture pictures. To end the recording, you need to repeat the press and hold to stop recording.
If you have an Apple Watch, you can control your iPhone’s camera remotely from your wrist. But AirPods getting a remote access feature will likely be quicker in comparison to the watch, as with the Apple Watch, you need to follow a few steps before accessing the camera, rather than a quick gesture.
Studio-quality recording
Studio-quality audio recording is supported by the AirPods 4 and Pro 2 for use in podcasts, videos, songs, interviews, and other media. According to Apple, Voice Isolation filters out background noise so that high-quality vocals can be captured while on the go.
Higher-quality audio can be recorded when creating films or recording podcasts with your devices.
Improved audio quality
The new upgrade is also likely to introduce a more natural vocal texture and clarity to FaceTime calls, iPhone calls, and all CallKit-enabled apps like Zoom thanks to the H2 processor in the AirPods 4 and Pro 2.
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The iPhone, iPad, and Mac all support the Camera app, Voice Memos, Message dictation, third-party camera apps, and video conferencing apps, and they all offer studio-quality audio recording and enhanced call quality.
Beta Updates
With iOS 26, Apple is reportedly adding an option to easily install beta updates on AirPods. When you connect your AirPods to your iPhone and tap into them in the Settings app, a new and updated interface will appear.
Pause audio during sleep
With the new update, turning on the new ‘Pause Media When Falling Asleep’ feature will cause the AirPods to pause audio when you go to sleep, whether you’re wearing them and listening to music, a podcast, or a book.
After connecting your AirPods to your iPhone, you may find it under the AirPods settings. It will not only save your place in a podcast or audiobook, but it will also save battery life by shutting off your AirPods so they don’t run all night. However, you will the latest AirPods firmware and iOS 26 to use the feature.
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Keep audio in headphones
iOS 26 will likely fix one of the most annoying issue with AirPods and CarPlay. A new feature called “Keep Audio in Headphones” stops audio from switching to Bluetooth or car speakers when you’re using the AirPods to listen to music. If you have this option enabled, your music will continue to play in your AirPods as soon as you enter the vehicle. It can be activated in iOS 26.
It needs to be noted that all the above-mentioned features are speculative and Apple has not officially announced them. This is a compilation based on leaks and rumours, so we suggest you to take this information with a grain of salt.
