All the New AirPods Features Coming in iOS 26
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe updates bring a host of new features to AirPods, enhancing functionality across audio, recording, and device integration.
Studio-Quality Recording
With iOS 26, the AirPods Pro 2 and upcoming AirPods 4 gain studio-quality audio recording capabilities. Perfect for podcasts, interviews, videos, or music creation, this feature brings professional-grade sound capture to your pocket.
Improved Audio for Calls
Expect clearer, more natural-sounding voice calls across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Studio-quality audio extends to FaceTime, regular calls, Zoom, and other CallKit-enabled apps.
AirPods as a Camera Remote
You can now use your AirPods to control the Camera app. Press and hold the stem to take a photo or start/stop video recording — ideal for creating social content hands-free.
Manual Firmware Updates
No more waiting in the dark — iOS 26 adds a manual firmware update interface in the Settings app when your AirPods are connected.
Pause Audio When You Sleep
AirPods will automatically pause your audio when they detect you've fallen asleep, making bedtime listening more seamless and restful.
Smarter Car Integration
AirPods now support Automatic Switching with CarPlay, so your music transitions from AirPods to your car's audio system as you enter the vehicle.
Keep Audio in Headphones
Prefer private listening? You can choose to keep audio in your AirPods even when other playback devices (like speakers or car systems) connect to your iPhone.
Availability
These features are available now for developers via beta firmware and will roll out publicly this fall alongside iOS 26.