iOS 26 provides new performance to the AirPods, which will probably be out there this fall when Apple releases iOS 26 and new AirPods firmware to the general public.
Digital camera Distant
The AirPods can be utilized as a digicam distant for the Digital camera app or third-party iOS digicam apps. Simply join your AirPods to your iPhone, open the Digital camera app, after which press and maintain on the AirPods stem to take a photograph or begin a video recording.
Whenever you’re completed, a second press and maintain gesture will cease the recording. You probably have an Apple Watch, you possibly can already management your iPhone remotely out of your wrist, however the AirPods have the potential to be even faster since it is a bodily gesture moderately than a collection of steps that embody opening an Apple Watch app.
Studio-High quality Recording
The AirPods 4 and the AirPods Professional 2 help recording studio-quality audio for interviews, podcasts, songs, movies, and extra. Apple says that the characteristic can be utilized to report high-quality vocals whereas on the go, with background sounds filtered out due to Voice Isolation.
You possibly can report higher-quality audio when making movies or utilizing your gadgets to do issues like report a podcast.
Improved Audio High quality
The H2 chip within the AirPods 4 and AirPods Professional 2 brings extra pure vocal texture and readability to iPhone calls, FaceTime calls, and all CallKit-enabled apps like Zoom.
Studio-quality audio recording and improved name high quality can be found throughout iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and help the Digital camera app, Voice Memos, Messages dictation, third-party digicam apps, and video conferencing apps.
Beta Updates
With iOS 26, Apple is including an choice to extra simply set up beta updates on AirPods. There is a new replace interface once you join your AirPods to your iPhone and faucet into them within the Settings app.
Pause Audio for Sleep
If you happen to’re listening to music, a podcast, or a guide whilst you’re in mattress and also you’re carrying AirPods, the AirPods will pause your audio once you go to sleep in the event you toggle on the brand new “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” possibility.
You will discover it within the AirPods settings after connecting your AirPods to your iPhone, however you will want the brand new AirPods firmware and iOS 26. Along with saving your spot in an audiobook or podcast, it’ll additionally protect battery by turning your AirPods off so they are not operating all night time.
This characteristic additionally works with Beats earbuds.
Maintain Audio in Headphones
iOS 26 addresses an irritating problem that occurs with CarPlay and AirPods. There is a new “Maintain Audio in Headphones” possibility that forestalls audio from switching to automobile audio system or Bluetooth audio system once you’re listening to music by way of the AirPods.
With the choice on, your music will proceed taking part in in your AirPods once you get within the automobile. You possibly can flip it on in iOS 26 by going to Settings > Common > AirPlay and Continuity.
Learn Extra
We’ve got a devoted iOS 26 roundup that goes into element on all the new options which might be out there within the replace.
