June 5, 2025, 2:23 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The next iOS version is already shaping up to be a turning point for Apple. The update is expected to feature a fresh look and a new name.
After the error-ridden and delayed iOS 18, Apple needs a reset. This is expected to come in the form of iOS 26. The new numbering, which represents the corresponding year rather than the operating system version, coincides with the biggest redesign since iOS 7. But it’s not just the iPhone that will be revamped by the iOS update–AirPods are also getting many new features.
Major Update with Five New Features for AirPods
According to “9To5Mac,” five extensive new features are planned, which Apple could unveil at its developer conference WWDC on Monday.
Camera Control
With the iPhone 16, Apple introduced camera control–a button on the right edge of the device that functions as a two-stage shutter, zoom wheel, and function switcher. With the update to iOS 26, AirPods could also receive a type of camera control. By squeezing the stems, the headphones could serve as a remote shutter.
The feature is reminiscent of the shutter function in the wired Apple EarBuds. Nine years later, AirPods are finally catching up.
New Head Gestures
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (ANC) received head gestures with iOS 18 last year. By nodding or shaking their heads, users can accept or decline calls and respond to Siri queries.
According to “9To5Mac,” AirPods will receive additional gestures with iOS 26. One of these is the extension of conversation detection. AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (ANC) automatically lower media volume and amplify voices when they detect the wearer is having a conversation. So far, conversation detection can only be controlled via the stem. Soon, users might also have the option to use head gestures for this.
Studio Microphones
The iPhone 16 offers an audio mix function that can separate voices from background noise in video recordings. Users can choose from three different voice options.
One of the options is “Studio”: It reduces background noise and echo to simulate a studio recording. AirPods could receive a similar function with the update to iOS 26. Apparently, a microphone mode for “studio quality” is in the works.
Sleep Detection
Many people (myself included) use AirPods as a sleep aid–whether with music, sounds, or podcasts. So far, users have to set a timer in the respective app or in the clock app to prevent playback from continuing all night.
Automatic sleep detection aims to change that. Similar to wear detection, AirPods will stop playback when they detect the wearer has fallen asleep. According to “9To5Mac,” it is not yet clear whether an Apple Watch, which already has sleep detection, will also be required for this.
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Improved Pairing
In many classrooms worldwide, iPads are used as teaching aids. To improve the use of shared devices, Apple is working on simplifying the pairing of AirPods in iPadOS.
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When Will AirPods Get the Update?
The next version of iOS will be officially unveiled on Monday at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. Typically, the company also presents software innovations for AirPods during the keynote at the start of the WWDC.
Following the conference, developers and later registered beta testers will initially gain access to the pre-release version of iOS. iOS 26 will officially launch in the fall alongside the iPhone 17 series. Whether all the features mentioned above will be ready at launch is still uncertain. Some of them might only appear in further updates for iOS 26 between fall 2025 and spring 2026.