iOS 26 is a major software release not only for iPhone, but also adjacent platforms like CarPlay and AirPods. And there’s one AirPods feature in particular that could very well be Apple’s preparation for AirPods Pro 3 gaining cameras.
AirPods gaining Camera Remote feature in iOS 26
Out of the handful of new AirPods features coming in iOS 26, there’s one that especially caught my eye.
Camera Remote is a new AirPods capability that works a lot like the identically-named app on Apple Watch.
Essentially, it lets your AirPods function as a remote control for your iPhone’s camera.
You can use AirPods to capture photos and video on your iPhone in situations that’s helpful. This is done either by pressing once on the AirPods stem, or pressing and holding—your choice.
Per the iOS 26 Settings app:
Capture a photo, start or stop recording, and more using either Press Once or Press and Hold. When using AirPods for camera actions, if you select Press Once, media control gestures will be unavailable, and if you select Press and Hold, listening mode and Siri gestures will be unavailable.
If you don’t own an Apple Watch, it might be nice to have the Camera Remote feature on AirPods instead.
However, I suspect this new feature could more importantly be Apple’s way of preparing for AirPods Pro 3 with cameras.
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