Apple adds new functions for the AirPods in iOS 26, making them even more convenient – you can expect these innovations this fall.
You can expect these improvements on your AirPods
The new functions of the AirPods will become available this fall when Apple iOS 26 and the updated AirPods firmware are released. We already list what you can expect.
1. Remote control
You can use the AirPods as a remote control for the camera app. If you want to use this function, you must first enable it. You do this by connecting the AirPods with your iPhone, opening the AirPods in the settings and then selecting the option camera control.
Once the function is switched on, you can easily use it by putting in the AirPods, opening the camera app and then holding down the steel of the AirPods to take a photo or start a video recording.
2. Record in studio quality
The AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 offer audio of studio quality in iOS 26 for interviews, podcasts, songs, videos and more. Apple says that you can use the function to absorb high -quality singing along the way, where background noises are filtered away thanks to the STEM insulation function.
3. Improved conversation quality
The H2 chip in the ‌Air pods 4‌ and ‌Air Pods Pro‌ 2 ensures a more natural voice texture and brightness during ‌ telephone conversations. Audio recordings of studio quality and improved conversation quality are available on iPhone, iPad and Mac, and support the camera app, speech memos, dictate in messages, third-party camera apps and apps to video calling.
4. Pause when you fall asleep
Another handy feature that you can expect on your AirPods: if you listen to music, a podcast or a book while you are in bed and wear your airpods, your AirPods will pause the audio when you fall asleep. At least if you enable the new option ‘Pause media when falling asleep’.
You can find this option in the AirPods settings after you have connected your AirPods to your ‌IPhone‌, but you do need the new AirPods firmware and ‌IOS 26‌. In addition to storing your place in an audio book or podcast, this function also saves battery by switching off your AirPods. The function also works with Beats-Rordopjes.
5. Keep Audio in AirPods
‌IOS 26‌ solves an annoying problem that occurs with CarPlay and AirPods. The option ‘Keeping Audio in headphones’ prevents the sound from switching to the car speakers or Bluetooth speakers when you listen to music via your AirPods. If this option is enabled, your music continues to play on your AirPods when you get in the car.
6. Charging recovery
Apple has improved the charging of AirPods in iOS 26 and the charging case now clearly indicates the charging status. You also get a reminder when it’s time to charge your AirPods. A green light burns when the AirPods are fully charged, a flashing orange light when they are charged and a darker orange light that indicates that it is time to charge them because the battery is almost empty.
7. Beta updates
In iOS 26, Apple adds an option to install beta updates easier on your AirPods. A new update interface is available when you connect your AirPods with your iPhone and tap the settings.
iOS 26 will be in September
We expect iOS 26 and the new firmware for your AirPods shortly after the new iPhones have been introduced. The iPhone 17-Event will probably take place on Tuesday 9 September, so shortly thereafter you can install iOS 26 and try out the new AirPods functions! If you don’t want to miss anything from the iPhone 17 event, sign up for our newsletter!