Apple has revealed two upcoming features for AirPods that will be available on certain existing models – including a feature reminiscent of the EarPods era.
## Camera Control
You might remember that during the era of wired EarPods, they could be utilized as a remote shutter release for taking photos. This capability is now making its way to AirPods, enabling you to activate the camera from a distance, perfect for group photos when you’ve placed your iPhone on a tripod or supported it in another manner.
> Taking pictures from afar is simpler than before with **camera remote**. While utilizing the Camera app or other compatible third-party camera applications on iPhone or iPad, creators can press and hold the AirPods stem to capture a photo or initiate a video recording, and an additional press-and-hold will halt the recording. For those who enjoy recording themselves while singing or dancing, these new features facilitate performing in sync with a soundtrack while also documenting the video.
## Studio Quality Audio Recording
Last year, Apple introduced Audio Mix for the iPhone 16, employing AI to selectively filter audio by including or excluding various elements. One aspect of this technology is Studio, which aims to mimic a recording studio by focusing on sounds close to the microphone.
Apple has now made this functionality available for AirPods, allowing them to serve as a [wireless lavalier microphone](https://amzn.to/4dVajA6).
> Enhancing content creation is now achievable with **studio-quality audio recording**. Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can capture their content with superior sound quality, even while moving or in noisy settings thanks to Voice Isolation. Equipped with the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio, users can expect a more natural vocal texture and clarity during iPhone calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-supported applications. Studio-quality audio recording and enhanced call quality are compatible across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, while also working with the Camera app, Voice Memos, dictation in Messages, video conferencing platforms such as Webex, and suitable third-party camera applications.
## Pause Playing When You Fall Asleep
For those who use AirPods in bed to keep from disrupting their partner, they will now recognize when you drift off to sleep and automatically pause playback in all applications.
## Automatic CarPlay Switching
Apple has additionally introduced automatic switching between AirPods and car speakers when utilizing CarPlay.
## Availability
[Apple states](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/airpods-now-more-versatile-with-studio-quality-audio-recording-and-camera-remote/) that the features will be accessible on three models:
> The new AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 features will launch this fall as a complimentary firmware update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.
[Explore all the WWDC announcements in our live news hub](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/wwdc-2025-news-hub-ios-26-is-almost-here/).
*Photo: Apple*
