Apple has announced two new AirPods features coming to some existing models – including bringing back a feature from the EarPods days … Camera control You may recall that back in the wired EarPods days, you could use them as a remote shutter release for the camera. This feature is now being brought to AirPods, letting you trigger the camera remotely, ideal for group shots when you’ve mounted your iPhone on a tripod or supported it in some other way. Capturing content at a distance is easier than ever with camera remote. While using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad, content creators can press and hold the AirPods stem to take a photo or start a video recording, and one more press-and-hold will stop the recording. For users who like capturing themselves singing or dancing, the new features make it easy to perform in sync with a soundtrack while simultaneously recording the video. Studio quality audio recording Apple last year launched Audio Mix for the iPhone 16, which uses AI to filter the audio to include and exclude different elements. One of these was Studio, where the mix aims to replicate a studio, with only those close to the mic picked up. Apple has now announced this feature for AirPods, effectively letting them act like a wireless lavalier microphone. Creating content gets even better with studio-quality audio recording. Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can record their content with greater sound quality, and even record while on the go or in noisy environments with Voice Isolation. With the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio, users will also enjoy more natural vocal texture and clarity across iPhone calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-enabled apps. Studio-quality audio recording and improved call quality work across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, while also supporting the Camera app, Voice Memos, dictation in Messages, video conferencing apps like Webex, and compatible third-party camera apps. Pause playing when you fall asleep If you use AirPods in bed to avoid disturbing your partner, they will now detect when you fall asleep and automatically pause playback across apps. Automatic CarPlay switching Apple has also announced automatic switching between AirPods and car speakers when using CarPlay. Availability Apple says the features will be available in three models: New AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 features will be available this fall as a free firmware update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. Check out all the WWDC announcements in our live news hub Highlighted accessories Photo: Apple