The WWDC 2025 is coming soon for Apple and even though new gadgets are not planned, your current AirPods are set to receive a noticeable upgrade. Several advancements focused on AirPods are coming with the release of iOS 26 by Apple. They include features like remote camera control and sleeping detection which aim to improve your AirPods’ user experience.
Overview of Upcoming AirPods Features
At the time of iOS 26’s release, Apple will make new features available in AirPods. The goals of these updates are to give people more convenience and allow them to do things more smoothly each day. Important features are remote control of the camera, auto-pause when sleeping, enhanced gestures for controlling the screen, a professional microphone mode and better joint Apple Watch and iPad pairing.
Remote Camera Control via AirPods
Consider standing your friends in front of your iPhone and clicking a photo just by giving your AirPods a tap. This feature makes it possible for me to use the camera without being in the studio. Pressing the stem of your AirPods allows you to open the camera on your iPhone or iPad hands-free and snap your photos. This ability is like the one found on wireless EarPods in previous versions.
Sleep Auto-Pause Functionality
Have you gone to sleep wearing your AirPods, with music on and woken up with the sound still going? It is hoped that the auto-pause feature will address this as it stops playing audio when it senses you are asleep. It allows you to use your battery wisely and guarantees that you watch your favorite programs. The feature can use information from an Apple Watch to tell when you’ve gone to sleep.
More powerful Head Gesture Controls
Apple is planning to introduce easier head gestures in iOS 26. Accepting calls may be expressed by a nod and refusing them happens with a shaking of the head. It is possible for users to change how loud the music is or switch noise cancellation functions by moving their head.
Highest Sound Quality Microphone
Anyone who counts on AirPods for calls or making content stands to benefit greatly from the studio-quality microphone mode about to be added. With this feature, you can reduce the amount of noise picked up in the background and have your voice sound more high quality during any conversation or recording.
Improved Pairing with Shared iPads
It can be tricky for several users to pair their AirPods with an iPad if both devices are used by others as well. Apple has introduced a new update that helps AirPods pair with shared iPads more quickly which makes managing connected devices simpler.
Which AirPods Models Compatibility?
Everyone should check if their model will be able to use the new features. The new features will arrive for AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and the AirPods 4 line, as they both have Apple’s H2 chip. Older AirPods such as the AirPods Max, that run the H1 chip, won’t get these updates.
Detection of sleep with Apple Watch
The auto-pause during sleep may use information from an Apple Watch to correctly identify a period of sleep. Since the built-in sensors for heart rate and sleep are absent in AirPods, the Apple Watch can work together with the AirPods to add these features.
Expected Release Timeline for iOS 26
During WWDC 2025 which takes place on June 9, Apple is expected to demonstrate iOS 26. After the announcement, the public should be able to access the new features in September, in line with Apple’s common system for releasing updates.
Conclusion
With the iOS 26 update, your AirPods are expected to receive new features that boost their performance and make them more important to your daily routine. Simple photo capture and sleep-interruption for the music can all be seen as examples of Apple putting users first. Wait for updates from WWDC 2025 and get ready to enjoy your AirPods in a better way.
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