June 11, 2025, 3:25 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
At WWDC25, Apple announced iOS 26. The update introduces a fresh look with Liquid Glass and numerous new features, benefiting AirPods as well.
After the error-ridden and delayed iOS 18, Apple needs a reset. This comes now in the form of iOS 26. The new numbering, which no longer represents the version of the operating system but the corresponding year, is accompanied by 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
As “9To5Mac” reported in advance, five extensive new features are planned for AirPods. Apple presented these at the WWDC developer conference 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 switch. With the update to iOS 26, AirPods also get a type of camera control. By squeezing the stems, the headphones 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, users can accept or decline calls and respond to Siri queries.
With iOS 26, AirPods will receive additional gestures. One of them 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 will 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. With the update to iOS 26, AirPods will get a similar feature. A microphone mode for “studio quality” is announced and already in development.
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 put an end to this. Similar to wear detection, AirPods stop playback when they detect the wearer has fallen asleep. It is not yet clear whether an Apple Watch, which already has sleep detection, will be required for this.
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Improved Pairing
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When Will AirPods Get the Update?
iOS 26 was officially unveiled on Monday at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. Shortly thereafter, the company made the first preview version of the operating system available to developers. Registered beta testers will also gain access later.
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 may only appear in further updates for iOS 26 between fall 2025 and spring 2026.