Apple is improving AirPods and AirPods Pro with the upcoming iOS 26 update, expected this fall. The new features include camera control, better CarPlay integration, improved microphone quality, and more.
One exciting addition is the ability to control your iPhone camera using AirPods. You can set a short or long press on the AirPods stem to take photos or start video recordings remotely. However, this control only works when the AirPods are in your ears.
Apple also improved microphone quality on AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro, now calling them “studio-quality mics.” A new voice isolation mode helps reduce background noise during calls or recordings. You can enable this mode through the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
CarPlay experience is smoother, allowing AirPods to hand off audio automatically when you enter your car. Plus, AirPods now send notifications when their battery is low or fully charged. You can disable these alerts if you prefer.
A useful new feature is automatic media pause. If you fall asleep while listening to music or podcasts, your AirPods will stop playing automatically, so you won’t lose your place.
All these features are currently in developer beta and should roll out to the public with iOS 26 later this year. Users should be cautious with beta versions, as they might cause data loss or other issues.
