iOS 26 is a major update for iPhone users, but it comes with a variety of new features for AirPods users too—especially anyone with AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, or the new AirPods Pro 3. Here are the upgrades coming to AirPods users who update to iOS 26.
iOS 26 brings up to seven new AirPods features, depending on your model
Every year, Apple introduces new features for AirPods users via firmware updates. This year is no exception.
Alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and more, Apple is rolling out new AirPods firmware that unlocks a variety of new features. The new build for at least some models is 8A356.
Combine the new OS updates with updated AirPods firmware, and users will enjoy up to seven new features:
Automatic pausing when you fall asleep Battery charging notifications Automatic switching for CarPlay Live Translation Studio-quality audio recording Camera Remote Enhanced voice quality on calls
Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer.
Regularly fall asleep with AirPods in your ears? Now, Apple can detect that and automatically pause what you were listening to. Not so important for music, but potentially a killer feature for podcasts and audiobooks.
Joining a variety of other battery-related features, iOS 26 includes AirPods charging reminders via notifications. You’ll get notified when your AirPods case is getting low, and when it’s been fully charged.
One of my favorite AirPods features, automatic switching, was previously never available for CarPlay. But now in iOS 26, you can have your AirPods Bluetooth connection automatically transfer to and from the car.
The above three features will be available broadly across many AirPods models.
However, if you have AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, or the new AirPods Pro 3, you’ll also gain four more features.
Live Translation arrives in beta as an Apple Intelligence capability to hold in-person conversations with someone who speaks a different language than your own.
Ever record audio with your AirPods? Thanks to what Apple calls ‘studio-quality audio recording,’ that recording should sound much better than ever before.
Camera Remote works similarly to the Apple Watch’s Camera Remote app. Essentially, you can capture a photo or video by squeezing your AirPods’ stem. This can be configured in Settings.
Finally, with enhanced voice quality on calls, iOS 26 gives AirPods an improvement to one of their most common use cases.
AirPods features in iOS 26: wrap-up
With AirPods Pro 2 especially, Apple has set a new standard in offering major new AirPods features via firmware updates. Now in iOS 26, that trend continues while expanding to include AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3.
Even if your AirPods only support a few of the latest features, iOS 26 is full of other exciting upgrades on your iPhone that should merit an upgrade.
For an overview of how the AirPods firmware updates process happens, you’ll find full details here.
Which new AirPods features are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
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