With iOS 26 not only new features come to the iPhone, but also the AirPods are expanded with more functions. These are them!
AirPods and iOS 26
Apple will present iOS 26 (or iOS 19?) Soon! According to rumors, it is about the largest software update in years, with which Apple brings a new interface and more functions to the iPhone. New generations of the operating system usually not only bring more features to the iPhone, but also to the AirPods. These changes are reportedly coming to the AirPods with iOS 26!
1. More head gestures
With iOS 18, Apple introduced head gestures to the AirPods. It is now possible to simply shake or nod your head, the ears then recognize this movement. With iOS 26 more head gestures are added, so that you can operate the AirPods more and more without hands. Conversation detection is at least better with the help of head gestures, so that the sound is filled in at the right times. It is still unclear which head gestures will come to the AirPods.
2. Sleep detection
Do you regularly listen to music or podcasts with your AirPods before you go to sleep? In that case you get a handy function with iOS 26, because the AirPods will probably get sleep detection. As soon as the earphones register that you have fallen asleep, the music or podcast is paused. It is quite possible that this feature only works in combination with the Apple Watch, which already has sleep detection.
3. Camera control
Another Apple Watch function that may come to the AirPods with iOS 26 is operating the camera. According to rumors you can soon take a photo or video by simply pressing the stalk of the AirPods. This way you can place the iPhone at a distance and operate the camera through the ears. This is already possible with the Apple Watch, but this will also be possible with the AirPods. You can then hold this in your hand, so that the AirPods do not appear clearly in the photo or video.
4. Audiomix
Apple Audiomix introduced with the iPhone 16 series. With Audiomix, more data of the sound is collected, so that you can edit it better and easier later. For example, it is possible to remove disturbing background noises afterwards. With iOS 26, the AirPods get a similar function, which greatly improves the microphone of the earphones. According to rumors, the sound even gets studio quality due to the new software. The AirPods thus serve as a microphone, which records the highest audio quality.
5. Improved connection
Apple is working on a new feature that should make it easier to connect AirPods with shared iPads. These are iPads that, for example, are used in education or business. It is therefore a new feature in iPados 26, with which connecting AirPods with iPados is smoother. Probably fewer steps will be needed to connect the ears with the (shared) iPad.
Release of iOS 26
The AirPods therefore get a series of new functions with the release of iOS 26. It is not yet known which AirPods will be expanded with these features. It is expected that the AirPods Pro 2 will in any case get all the improvements. They may also come to the AirPods 4, AirPods Max and the first generation of the AirPods Pro. In any case, it is certain that existing AirPods will get better with the latest software version.
We will soon know exactly what improvements Apple brings to the AirPods. Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. (Dutch time) Apple presents the most important software updates of the year. That evening we know which functions with iOS 26 come to the AirPods and which models of the ears have support for these features. Do you not want to miss anything about the WWDC 2025? Then register for our newsletter, so that you will always stay informed!
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