### Upgrades to AirPods with iOS 26
Apple is preparing to improve the AirPods experience with the forthcoming launch of iOS 26 later this year. This update brings a variety of new features, such as a camera remote and sleep detection that halts media playback. However, one of the most significant enhancements is the charging experience for AirPods.
#### Automatic Battery Notifications
A major feature of iOS 26 is your iPhone’s capability to automatically alert you when your AirPods are low on battery. This functionality applies not only when the AirPods are in use; users will receive notifications even when the AirPods are resting in their case. This preventive notification system aims to avert the frequent scenario of discovering your AirPods are almost out of battery right before you leave the house.
Previously, battery status alerts were confined to when users initially placed the AirPods in their ears or when the battery level waned while listening to audio. With the new update, users will receive timely reminders to charge the AirPods case, even if the earbuds haven’t been used for a while.
#### Smart Notifications
The notification system seems to be crafted with user ease in consideration. For example, when a user connects their iPhone to charge overnight, the device might suggest that they also charge their AirPods. This feature seems to be perfectly timed, as users are likely to be near their charger at that point.
#### Completion Alerts
Alongside low battery notifications, iOS 26 will also inform users when their AirPods have completed charging. This feature guarantees that users are aware of when their AirPods are ready for use again, removing the uncertainty surrounding charging.
#### Customization Features
For those who choose to not receive these notifications, there is a way to disable them. Users can go to the Settings app, select AirPods, access the Battery section, and deactivate the preference for ‘Charging Notifications.’
#### Availability
iOS 26 is currently in developer beta and is anticipated to be released as a free software update later this year. A public beta version is expected to be available sometime this month, allowing more users to experiment with these new features.
In summary, the upgrades included with iOS 26 promise to enhance the AirPods experience, making it more user-friendly and efficient, tackling common issues related to battery management and charging notifications.
