Apple makes your AirPods and AirPods Pro even better in iOS 26, adding a camera control, a better transfer from carplay, and more. Here is a practical overview of what is happening.
One of the best things about Airpods is that they are not a static product. Apple has always granted new features to them year after year with new updates from the firmware.
2025 is no different because Apple performs many features and improvements for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro, partly thanks to iOS 26.
Currently, this update is available as a beta developer. We have installed it on our headphones to give you an overview of the new features.
Camera checks
The first major major new feature for Apple popular buds is control of the camera. Using only stems, users can remotely control the camera shutter.
To activate the camera control function:
- Open it Parameters apply
- Make sure your airpods 4 or airpods pro 2 are connected
- Press the AirPods banner which appears at the top of the application
- Scroll until Camera control and press
- Choose a long plug or a single pressure to activate the functionality
When you activate the camera control, there is however a compromise. By defining one of these gestures, you will lose on the previous use for this control.
For example, the single press is generally used to control media reading. Just press a break or play your music and videos.
Likewise, if you take the long plug, it will replace the Siri switch or noise control. At least when you are inside the camera application or a third -party application that accesses the camera.
To use it, open the camera. Now press or hold the stem on one of your airpods to start a recording or take a photo – depending on the mode in which the camera is located.
When you take a photo, you will hear a three -second countdown in your ear before the shot is captured. Each second is marked by a click, followed by a shutter sound to confirm that the photos were taken.
The drawback is that the control does not work while you hold the earphones. We had hoped that it could work as a discreet bluetooth remote control hidden in your hand.
The problem probably stems from the detection function of the airpods ear, which prevents them from connecting until they are in your ears. You might be able to get around it by covering the sensors with your fingers, but it is not a reliable bypass.
Studio quality microphones
Apple improves the quality of microphones on AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro thanks to this software update. They are now marketed as having studio quality microphones, although it is more marketing than a significant upgrade.
Interestingly, this improvement is made possible by the H2 chip. This means that the latest AirPods do not get this feature because they still use the old H1 wireless chip.
Not only is the quality of microphones generally improved, but Apple also offers a new method of vocal isolation. This is similar to what has been available native on the iPhone and iPad microphones that blocks external noise.
To activate the method of vocal isolation:
- Open any application that accesses the microphone, such as applying the camera
- You should see the confidentiality indicator appear at the top of your phone screen
- Open Control Center and press the confidentiality alert
- Make sure that airpods or airpods pro are chosen for the microphone input
- Press voice isolation
We have recorded a few audio samples on the old firmware, on the new firmware and on the new firmware with activated voice isolation. You can listen to them by yourself in the video integrated above.
Our point to remember: the overall sound quality is improved, but the isolation of the voice can be a little too aggressive. It’s like a noise cancellation for your microphone – and sometimes it can make you look like a tunnel.
That said, we were impressed by the way he filters background noise. During our external tests, he handled passing cars, a low -altitude plane and a problem without problem.
At the very least, it offers additional flexibility. Whether you are on a phone call or make an interview, minimizing the history of history is probably a priority.
More upcoming features at Airpods
Airpods now works more in a more transparent way with Carplay. When you get into the car while wearing airpods, it can automatically transmit audio to your car, continuing where you were. It’s not new, but it works extremely better now.
Likewise, there is another feature that keeps audio in your headphones. It prevents it from transferring your audio to other speakers or devices when they automatically connect to your phone.
As for the load, a new alert of the system now reminds you when it is time to load your airpods. You can deactivate this feature in the Settings application.
He monitors the battery levels and sends a notification when they become low, encouraging you to load them when it is practical.
In the opposing scenario, you will get an alert on your iPhone or iPad when your airpods are fully loaded. Just as you can get with your Apple Watch.
There is also a nice little change of interface. You can now adjust the volume for AirPods or other audio sources, directly from the audio destinations menu.
Finally, and easily one of our favorite additions is an automatic stop. Airpods can now detect when you fell asleep and stop playing your media.
If you’ve already made a leap while listening to a podcast on an audio plane or book near the beach, you will appreciate this feature. This prevents you from losing your place without any effort.
No more awakening by wondering: “What chapter was I on?” Or “What episode of podcast have I started?” The audio simply stops automatically, allowing you to pick up where you stopped.
All these features come soon
As we mentioned on the insert, all these features are currently in the developer Beta. Apple also plans to introduce a beta version of public airpods. This will probably be launched in July, alongside the public beta version of iOS 26.
There is always a risk of causing problems with beta, so do not install it on an iPhone which you cannot bear the data, if things go wrong. A data loss potential also extends to data stored in iCloud, so be careful.
