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How to Take a Great iPhone Photo Using Your AirPods

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Why This Matters

The introduction of Camera Remote for AirPods in iOS 26 enhances the convenience and versatility of iPhone photography, allowing users to capture photos hands-free with compatible AirPods. This feature is particularly useful for group shots and selfies, improving the overall user experience and expanding the functionality of Apple’s ecosystem for consumers and developers alike.

Key Takeaways

Taking photos can be a fun way to save and share memories, but getting a good picture everyone's happy with isn't always easy. Snapping a group selfie might be difficult to get everyone in the shot while still being able to press the capture button on your iPhone. The good news? When Apple released iOS 26 in September 2025, the company made it possible to use your AirPods to take photos, so all you have to worry about is getting everyone's best angle.

The iOS 26 update introduced a handful of new features to your iPhone, including call screening and a Liquid Glass redesign. It also introduced Camera Remote for AirPods, which lets you take a photo with a press on your AirPods. But you have to enable this feature and it only works with AirPods that have an H2 chip, such as the new AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 4.

If you have a pair of compatible AirPods, here's where to find the Camera Remote option and how to use it.

How to turn on the Camera Remote

1. Connect your compatible AirPods to your iPhone.

2. Tap Settings.

3. Tap your AirPods in the Settings menu.

Your AirPods will be named something different. Apple/Screenshot by CNET

4. Tap Camera Remote under Camera Control.

Apple/Screenshot by CNET

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