These are all the cool new features your AirPods are getting with iOS 26
Published on Sep 06, 2025 at 8:42 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Sep 04, 2025 at 7:25 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Having mastered the art of blasting Taylor Swift through our ears, the Apple AirPods are getting even more innovative and cool features with the new iOS 26 update.
Once just another set of upmarket earphones, the Apple AirPods have now become a staple for any iPhone user.
But there’s more to come from the tiny devices.
With iOS 26, new features are coming to the array of AirPods out there, including the capability to take photos with the touch of your ear.
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
iOS 26 brings some wild new features to Apple AirPods
Apple’s latest big update, iOS 26, is set to completely revamp your screen and take smartphone tech to a new level.
But having already announced some big details coming to our mobiles, including ChatGPT-5 integration, it’s the AirPods that are getting some of the best upgrades.
The biggest of which is that Apple AirPods will now work with your camera and take photos.
This isn’t quite the rumored AirPod camera, but rather seamless integration to your phone, which allows you to take snaps on apps like Instagram.

This feature is coming to ‘H2 chip AirPods only’, which are the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.
The same goes for another feature. Those H2 chips will also be backed by vastly improved call quality. Gone are the days of muffled chats.
This works both ways, too, with a ‘Studio Quality’ voice recorder, perfect for interviews, podcasts, singing, and general chit chat.
But there is one benefit for those who own older models.
Namely, Apple promises a new LED system on your charging case, making it more obvious to tell how much charge your earphones have.
AirPods are getting better with cars, too
With iOS 26 set to launch this month, the Apple AirPods are also joining forces with CarPlay to bring joy to more drivers.
While the new CarPlay is already getting some great additions with a video player, among others, the AirPods will now be compatible.

The new Apple AirPod features are certainly attention-grabbing, and they’ll be a haven for any happy snappers.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.