Apple’s AirPods are already quite clever. They’re getting even smarter, especially with the latest software updates. The third beta for iOS 26 just dropped, and it brings some pretty neat tricks for your earbuds. Get ready for AirPods that can tell when you’ve fallen asleep and even act as a remote for your camera.
AirPods: More Than Just Sound
Apple is clearly making AirPods do more than just play music. The company wants to make its top-selling earbuds incredibly useful. They’ve already added health-focused tools. Think hearing aid features, hearing tests, and ear protection. iOS 26 was teased with even more ambitious ideas. Things like live translation and new head gestures were promised. Captive Wi-Fi sync was also on that list. Now, with beta 3, we see two of those big promises arrive.
Smart Sleep Detection
Imagine drifting off while listening to your favorite podcast or some chill music. Your AirPods will now know you’re asleep. They’ll gently pause whatever you’re listening to. This means no more waking up to static or a sudden loud sound. People had whispered about this feature for weeks. Developers even spotted clues in earlier beta code last month. It’s a neat trick for late-night listeners.
Camera Control in Your Ear
Taking photos often means fumbling with your phone or setting a timer. Now, your AirPods can be your remote. Just use the stem of your AirPods to snap a picture. You can also start and stop a video recording. This works with your iPhone or iPad camera app. Even some other compatible camera apps will play along. It offers a handy way to capture moments from a distance.
Keeping Up with Updates
Of course, these smart new features need smart new software. Apple released fresh beta firmware for some of its AirPods. Specifically, the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models are getting it. This update makes sure the earbuds can handle all the new iOS 26 tricks.
Getting these beta updates is easier now than it used to be. Apple has changed how often they release these updates. Before, AirPods updates were rare compared to iPhone or Mac updates. Now, they’re arriving more often, right alongside the iOS betas. This makes sure the earbuds are ready for new iOS features as they come out.
The newest firmware version for AirPods is 8A5308b. The last one, 8A293c, came out in late June. These new features mostly rely on Apple’s H2 chip. That’s why only the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models can use them. It looks like Apple is just getting started with making our earbuds do even more.