Apple’s latest move is all about making life easier for AirPods users. The new iOS 26 update brings a simple yet powerful feature: the ability to keep audio playing on your earbuds even when other devices are nearby. This means no more sudden switches to your car’s stereo or home speaker when you’re in the middle of a call or jamming out to music.
Imagine you’re walking into your car with your AirPods on, listening to your favorite tunes. With the new “Keep Audio on Headphones” feature, the music will stay put on your earbuds, even when your iPhone connects to the car’s audio system. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in your daily routine.
This feature is part of the new AirPlay and Continuity settings in iOS 26. It’s designed to give you more control over where your audio plays, so you can avoid frustrating switches between devices. Apple has also improved the transition between AirPods and CarPlay, so you can seamlessly switch between listening to music on your earbuds and your car’s stereo.
The new feature is available now in the first beta version of iOS 26 for developers. It will roll out to the public this fall, along with the official release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. The update will be free and will work with models like the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2.
But that’s not all – the update also brings other cool features, like studio-quality audio recording, camera remote control, and automatic pause when you fall asleep. These changes are all about making the most of the H2 chip and the new operating systems.
The Bluetooth technology behind this feature has been around for over two decades, but it’s only recently that we’ve seen significant improvements in filtering and energy efficiency. With iOS 26, Apple is taking a big step towards making wireless earbuds more user-friendly and minimizing unwanted audio switches in shared environments.
This move is a direct response to user pressure and the growing trend of making technology more invisible and personalized. By giving users more control over their audio experience, Apple is making a big difference in the daily lives of AirPods users. It’s a small but valuable change that lets you enjoy a more consistent audio experience, whether you’re at home or on the go.
What’s new in iOS 26 for AirPods users
- Keep audio playing on your earbuds even when other devices are nearby
- Seamless transition between AirPods and CarPlay
- Studio-quality audio recording
- Camera remote control
- Automatic pause when you fall asleep
When can you get the update?
The new feature is available now in the first beta version of iOS 26 for developers. It will roll out to the public this fall, along with the official release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. The update will be free and will work with models like the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2.