Apple‘s WWDC isn’t usually known for a lot of hardware news, but the company announced some intriguing updates for AirPods along with the latest software package. The headphones will receive built-in camera controls that will allow you to take photos or control video recording.
With the update, users will be able to control the camera on iPhone, iPad, and compatible third-party apps by pressing and holding the AirPods. It is not yet known which camera apps from other manufacturers support this feature, but it could be especially useful for creators if it is widely adopted by social media and video editing apps.
Another update to AirPods that is likely to be of interest to content creators is the addition of “studio quality recording” for AirPods. According to Apple, this change will allow “interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators to record their content with better sound quality” even in noisy environments. The company is also improving the sound quality for phone calls and FaceTime, as well as for third-party apps that support CallKit. Other apps will also benefit from the improved AirPods sound, including the camera app, Voice Memos, Messages (including the dictation feature), and third-party camera and video conferencing apps.
All updates will be available as a firmware update that is part of iOS 26, PadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 and will be available for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro second generation. Although these updates won’t officially be available until the end of this year, developers registered in Apple’s beta program will be able to start experimenting with the changes today, and those who have registered for the company’s public beta will be able to receive them next month.
