AirPods are much better with iOS 26 (thanks to these 4 functions)

With iOS 26, the AirPods get new functions, making the ears much better. These are all improvements!

New functions for AirPods

Good news if you regularly wear AirPods, because the ears are expanded with new functions. With ISO 26, Apple not only brings new features to the iPhone, but also the AirPods are being improved. Apple has announced four changes in the WWDC 2025, which will come to the AirPods later this year. Curious which those are? We put the new functions among each other for each other!

1. Sound of studio quality

Do you use the AirPods for recording audio? In that case you get a handy function with iOS 26, because Apple improves the microphone of the AirPods. The ears capture audio in studio quality from iOS 26. This higher quality is mainly due to the use of voice insulation. The new function applies to all applications, where a microphone is required. Think of camera and dictaphone, but also third parties such as Tiktok and Instagram. This way you can even use the AirPods to record a podcast or number.

2. Remote control for camera

After installing iOS 26 you can use the AirPods to take photos and videos with your iPhone from a distance. A similar feature is already available at the Apple Watch, where you can take a photo or video via the smartwatch. From iOS 26 you can use the AirPods for that, simply pressing one of the stalks. The iPhone then makes the photo or video from a distance.

3. Sleep detection

Another function that comes from the Apple Watch to the AirPods is sleep detection. With iOS 26, the AirPods register moments when users fell asleep. The audio will then no longer go on endlessly, but is automatically stopped. The sound recognition at the AirPods works in combination with the Apple Watch. The smartwatch registers your sleep for this, then the music, podcast or other audio is filled in in the AirPods.

4. Support for CarPlay

The big advantage of the AirPods is that the connection of the ears changes without problems between iOS, iPados, Watchos, MacOS and TVOS. A software version is added from iOS 26, because the AirPods receive support for CarPlay. You will soon be able to connect the ears without problems with the operating system for the car. This makes it easier to listen to music or a podcast on the way via the AirPods.

Release of iOS 26

Apple has already announced iOS 26 on Monday 9 June, but the final software version is waiting longer for sight. The biggest updates of the year usually appear in September. It is expected that iOS 26 (and all other software versions) will be rolled out on the second Tuesday of that month, this year it will be Tuesday 9 September. Then the AirPods are expanded with all functions of iOS 26.

Unfortunately, not all AirPods get these improvements from iOS 26. Apple has announced that only the AirPods 4 (with and without noise reduction) and the AirPods Pro 2 are expanded with the new features. Earlier generations of the AirPods have to make it without these changes. Are you looking for new AirPods? Then view the lowest prices of the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 here: