iOS 26 introduces significant new features for AirPods, which will be available to users when Apple releases the update this fall, alongside new AirPods firmware. One of the standout features is the ability to use AirPods as a camera remote. By connecting AirPods to an iPhone and opening the Camera app, users can take photos or start video recordings by pressing and holding the AirPods stem.
This functionality offers a quicker alternative to using an Apple Watch, requiring just a physical gesture to operate. Another exciting addition is the support for studio-quality audio recording with AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Users can record high-quality sounds for various purposes, such as interviews, podcasts, or music.
The Voice Isolation feature filters out background noise, ensuring that recordings capture only the intended audio. Additionally, the H2 chip in both models enhances call quality for iPhone calls, FaceTime, and other CallKit-enabled apps like Zoom. This improvement allows for clearer conversations and better overall sound on devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
iOS 26 also streamlines the process of installing beta updates on AirPods, introducing a new update interface in the Settings app when connected to an iPhone. For those who listen to music or podcasts in bed, a new “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” feature allows AirPods to pause audio automatically when the user falls asleep. This not only saves battery life but also preserves the user’s spot in any media they are enjoying.
Lastly, iOS 26 addresses the inconvenience of audio switching from AirPods to car speakers by introducing a “Keep Audio in Headphones” option. This ensures that music continues to play through the AirPods, even when getting into a car, by modifying settings in General > AirPlay and Continuity. Overall, iOS 26 brings numerous enhancements to the AirPods experience, boosting functionality and convenience for users.
Leave a Reply