Your AirPods are getting a bunch of new features in iOS 26 — here's what's coming

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The new iPhone 17 models are just around the corner, and that means the latest version of iOS is just as imminent. iOS 26 is bringing some big changes to the way your iPhone works, but there are some great new features for the AirPods in your pocket.

One thing before we dive into the new features, however. Some of the coolest are only for those that house an H2 chip — the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. If you're rocking an older pair of AirPods, you might not be invited to the whole party.

Here's everything new coming to AirPods with the public release of iOS 26.

1. Take snaps with your 'Pods

Our reviewer testing the AirPods 4's call quality — (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)

This is the first of the "H2 chip AirPods only" features. It does exactly what you'd expect — you can now use the touch stems of your AirPods to take a picture remotely. Helpfully, this won't just work with the first-party iPhone camera app, but also third-party apps.

You'll find the feature in your settings app, and it'll make taking those family photos even simpler. No timer needed! Just set the camera up, get everyone in position, and hold down the touch panel until you hear that ever-recognizable "snap" sound.

You can use the feature to initiate recordings as well. Just hold the button to start recording, and then hold it again to stop.

2. Much better sounding calls

Reviewer wearing AirPods Pro 2 for running and using touch controls — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Another feature for H2 AirPods. This is about as self-explanatory as they come, and it's not one you have to find in the settings menu to initiate. The call quality in your AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 has been drastically improved thanks to the H2 chip, making voices sound more natural.

This is for all calling apps. That includes the phone app, FaceTime, and other CallKit-enabled apps. Your Skype calls have never sounded better.

3. Recording like you're in a studio

The third H2-only feature in iOS 26 (only two more to go). This new feature improves the voice recording of your AirPods, letting you record "Studio Quality" recordings to your devices.

Apple says, "Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can record their content with greater sound quality, and even record while on the go or in noisy environments with Voice Isolation."

It's going to work with most recording apps, including "the Camera app, Voice Memos, dictation in Messages, video conferencing apps like Webex, and compatible third-party camera apps."

4. Your music will pause when you go to sleep

AirPods 4 — (Image credit: Future/ Alex Bracetti)

Fourth H2 only AirPods feature — don't worry, we're nearly there. If you're one of the many people who fall asleep while listening to "chill songs to help you get to sleep" or your favorite podcast, your AirPods will now pause your content when you set off for the land of nod.

You'll need to change the setting first. It's called "Pause Media When Falling Asleep" in the settings menu. It'll ensure you don't miss any of your content, and save battery when the AirPods power down during your slumber.

5. Easier switching with CarPlay

CarPlay at WWDC 2022 — (Image credit: Apple via YouTube)

The final H2 only AirPods feature in iOS 26! With this new feature, you won't have to worry about CarPlay moving your audio from your buds to your car speakers. Thanks to the "Keep Audio In Headphones" setting.

This makes sure that not only will your AirPods keep playing music when you turn your car on, but also if you connect a Bluetooth speaker to your iPhone. It's in the settings menu, but this time under AirPlay. Just to make your life a little more irritating.

6. Know when to charge your AirPods

This feature is coming to non-H2 AirPods. The LED on your charging case is getting a makeover, making it more obvious when they need a charge.

The new colors are as follows: Green solid light means they're full of juice, a pulsing amber light means you've plugged them in, and a dark amber light shows you that you need to get to a wall outlet stat. They're about to die!

You can try them out now — but, like, don't

ios 26 new startup screen — (Image credit: Future)

You can actually try all these features out if you install the iOS 26 Beta. From my experience, you shouldn't give them a go. Instead, you should wait for the full release of the software in the near future.

iOS 26 is likely going to launch just ahead of the new iPhone models, so you can expect it anytime now. That means the software will be more stable, and you won't experience anywhere near as many bugs and issues as you might with the Beta version of the software.

If you really must have a go, here's how to download the iOS 26 Beta. Don't say I didn't warn you!

More from Tom's Guide

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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