If you’ve ever tried to prop up your iPhone on a water bottle, hit the timer, and sprint into position for a group photo, only to catch yourself mid-blink or mid-fumble, Apple finally feels your pain. And in a rare moment of practical genius, it’s actually doing something about it.
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced some seriously useful AirPods upgrades that go far beyond better sound. Starting this September with the iOS 26 update, the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2 will get two major new features that turn them into legit tools for creators and everyday users alike.
Control Your iPhone Camera With AirPods
One of the most exciting features in this AirPods software update is the ability to control your iPhone camera using your AirPods. A simple squeeze on the stem can now remotely trigger your iPhone’s camera shutter or video recording. This works not just with the built-in Camera app, but also with third-party camera apps that support the feature.
No more struggling with timers or asking strangers to take your photo. Whether you’re filming a vlog, snapping a group shot, or setting up a tripod-free time-lapse, this new hands-free camera control with AirPods is a game-changer. It finally lets your AirPods act like the smart remote they should have been all along.
Works for Both Photos and Video Recording
Even better, this functionality supports both photo and video recording with your iPhone, and adapts to whatever camera mode or app is active on the screen. For content creators, vloggers, and social media enthusiasts, this means smoother, more stable videos and fewer awkward setups.
Record Studio-Quality Audio With AirPods on iPhone
Apple isn’t stopping at camera control. With iOS 26 and the upcoming firmware updates, your AirPods will soon be able to record high-quality, studio-level audio directly into your iPhone or iPad. This is made possible through improved software tuning, the advanced H2 chip, adaptive beamforming microphones, and Apple’s Voice Isolation technology.
Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, journalist, or someone who just wants to sound better on video calls, this is a major step up. You’ll be able to record clean, professional-sounding voiceovers and interviews using just your AirPods—no need for expensive external mics or editing tricks.
AirPods Are Becoming Creative Tools, Not Just Earbuds
This update quietly repositions AirPods from being passive audio accessories to active creative tools. They’re no longer just for listening to music or making phone calls. Now they’re part of the content creation process, helping you capture better photos, videos, and voice recordings with minimal effort.
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This also highlights Apple’s broader vision for the ecosystem. With iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other upcoming software updates, Apple is pushing harder toward seamless device integration. Your devices aren’t just talking to each other. They’re working together in smarter, more intuitive ways.
Release Timeline for AirPods Features in iOS 26
These new AirPods features are currently available to developers, with a public beta of iOS 26 launching next month. The official rollout will happen this fall, alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.
Final Thoughts
With the iOS 26 AirPods update, Apple isn’t just polishing the edges. It’s giving people real, functional upgrades that solve common problems. Whether you’re shooting a solo travel video, trying to get a family photo without chaos, or recording crisp audio on the fly, your AirPods are finally stepping up.
They’re not just earbuds anymore. They’re remote controls, audio recorders, and creative companions—and this September, they might just become your favorite new iPhone accessory.
Source: Apple
