iOS 26 brings 6 practical new features for your AirPods

With iOS 26, Apple is not only bringing new features to iPhone and iPad, but also noticeable improvements to AirPods. Those who use AirPods daily will benefit from some useful new features with the upcoming update. iOS 26 will be released this fall and will be accompanied by new firmware for AirPods and Beats earbuds.

A total of six new features make AirPods more versatile, comfortable, and intelligent in iOS 26. It's important that you have both iOS 26 and the latest AirPods firmware installed to take advantage of all the features. Here are all the changes in detail.

Use AirPods as a camera remote

With iOS 26, you can use your AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 to take photos or videos remotely. It's simple: When your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, you can hold down the stem to start recording. Holding it down again stops the recording. This works not only with Apple's preinstalled camera app, but also with third-party camera apps. The advantage is that it's quick to use with a physical gesture—you don't have to open an app on your Apple Watch or tap through menus. It's ideal for group photos or selfies without a tripod.

Studio-quality audio recordings

With AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, you can record high-quality audio on iOS 26. Apple calls this "studio-quality," and it means clear, professional sound with voice isolation to filter out distracting background noise. This is especially useful for podcasts, interviews, or voice recordings on the go. You can also record better sound quality while filming. The Camera app, Voice Memos, Messages (dictation function), third-party camera apps, and video conferencing apps are supported.

Better call quality

The H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 delivers more natural voice reproduction during calls on iOS 26. Whether you're making a call over the cellular network, using FaceTime, or an app like Zoom, the audio quality is clearer and more pleasant. This improvement applies to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Third-party apps also benefit, as long as they support CallKit. Anyone who regularly makes phone calls or video calls with AirPods will notice the difference.

Easier installation of beta updates

With iOS 26, Apple simplifies the installation of beta firmware on AirPods. Previously, this was only possible via developer tools. Now, there's a new interface directly in the iPhone's Settings app. When your AirPods are connected, you can check the AirPods settings to see if a beta update is available and install it directly. This is especially useful for developers or users who want to test new features in advance.

Automatically pause when falling asleep

If you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on your AirPods while you fall asleep, iOS 26 helps you save battery life and keep track of your progress. With the new "Pause Media When You Fall Asleep" option, playback will automatically stop as soon as you fall asleep. The feature detects the moment you're about to fall asleep and pauses the audio without you having to do anything. This is not only convenient for picking up where you left off the next night, but also extends the battery life of your AirPods. This feature also works with Beats earbuds. You can enable it in the AirPods settings once iOS 26 and the new firmware are installed.

Keep audio in headphones with CarPlay

A common problem for AirPods users: You get in the car, your iPhone connects to CarPlay or a Bluetooth system, and the sound jumps to the car speakers. iOS 26 now offers a solution. The new "Keep Audio in Headphones" option ensures that music, podcasts, or other content continues to play through the AirPods even when connected to the car. You can find the setting under "General" > "AirPlay & Continuity" in iOS 26. Once enabled, the sound stays where you want it—on the headphones.

• Apple Intelligence: Cooperation instead of in-house development
• MacBook with A18 Pro: Price, performance and appearance

AirPods with iOS 26: What the update brings to everyday life

With iOS 26, Apple is bringing six useful new features to AirPods that will improve everyday life. Camera shots are easier to control, audio recordings sound better, and comfort is increased when falling asleep or getting into the car. Owners of AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 benefit from additional technology like the H2 chip for better sound quality. It's important that iOS 26 and the latest AirPods firmware are installed. Then you can use all the new features right away. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / TatianaKim)

• iOS 26: The most important new features in the Photos app
• iOS 26: Beats and AirPods automatically pause when you sleep
• iOS 26: All Apple Music innovations at a glance
• iOS 26 expands the functionality of the HomePod
• Image Playground gets significantly better with iOS 26
• iOS 26 brings new screenshot features to the iPhone
• iOS 26: Five new lock screen features at a glance
• iOS 26 design change: Reduce transparency easily
• iOS 26: Create your own ringtones – without GarageBand
• iOS 26: All the new features for Notes and Reminders

Frequently asked questions about AirPods with iOS 26

Have you already visited our Amazon Storefront? There you'll find a hand-picked selection of various products for your iPhone and other devices – enjoy browsing !

This post contains affiliate links .