Apple introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, along with a series of new features for AirPods. With iOS 26, Apple AirPods are no longer just a pair of true wireless earbuds (TWS); they are now a true companion for content creators. The update brings significant enhancements to AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and AirPods Pro 2, making them smarter, more intuitive, and more powerful than ever.
With that said, here are all the exciting new features Apple is rolling out for your AirPods with iOS 26.
1. Studio-Quality Audio Recording
Inspired by the iPhone’s Audio Mix feature, With iOS 26, Apple introduces studio-quality audio recording for supported AirPods models. Thanks to the H2 chip and advanced Voice Isolation, your AirPods can now do the following:
- Record podcast-ready audio in the Voice Memo app.
- Enjoy improved voice quality during FaceTime and Zoom calls.
Whether you are a podcaster, journalist, or anyone recording on the go, you can now use the microphone on your AirPods to record a crisp, clear voice, even in noisy environments.
2. Auto-Pause When You Fall Asleep
In iOS 26, your AirPods can now include a sleep detection feature, which pauses playback as soon as your AirPods detect you’re dozing off. This is a perfect addition for users who love listening to podcasts, music, or any background noise before falling asleep.
While the feature is enabled by default, you can turn it off if you want. To do so, open Settings → Your AirPods → toggle off Pause Media When Falling Asleep.
3. Remote Camera Control with AirPods
Apple has borrowed a popular feature from the Apple Watch, allowing you to use your AirPods to remotely snap photos on your iPhone. All you need to do is press and hold the stem (or squeeze the AirPods Pro 2 force sensor) to snap a photo or start/stop a video recording on your iPhone and iPad.
You can also change the press-and-hold gesture to a single press or disable the camera remote altogether. Here’s how:
- Open Settings → Your AirPods → Camera Remote.
- Choose the appropriate option.
4. Battery Charging Reminders
This is another interesting feature Apple has added to the AirPods. Your AirPods can now send you notifications when they’re running low on battery, reminding you to charge them. Perfect for users who often forget to charge their AirPods and then find themselves stuck without battery.
5. Smarter Voice Isolation with Apple Intelligence
Thanks to the power of Apple Intelligence, your AirPods are now smarter at filtering the background noise that doesn’t matter. Thus, you can enjoy crystal-clear call quality, even in crowded or windy environments.
More Than Just Earbuds
The addition of these new features reflects Apple’s ambition to blur the line between AirPods as simple accessories and powerful input devices, all while maintaining their core audio experience.
What do you think of these new AirPods features? Let us know in the comments below.
Related articles worth reading:
