The era of purchasing headphones with a fixed feature set is a thing of the past. Particularly since the introduction of AirPods Pro 2, Apple has been actively enhancing AirPods products with new functionalities through firmware updates. In iOS 26, there are five additional features on the way—but more than half are restricted to AirPods equipped with an H2 chip.
## iOS 26 maintains the trend of introducing new AirPods functionalities
In terms of AirPods enhancements, Apple has developed a routine of significant annual feature releases.
For instance, iOS 18 brought nonverbal Siri interactions, Voice Isolation, and enhanced Personalized Spatial Audio. iOS 17 saw the addition of Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume.
So, what’s in store for this year?
Five upgrades for AirPods are set to arrive in iOS 26:
– Automatic pausing while you sleep
– Studio-quality audio recording
– Camera remote
– Automatic switching for CarPlay
– Improved voice quality during calls
These new features will be available as complimentary updates through the new iOS 26-related firmware.
However, several of these upgrades are only applicable to specific AirPods models.
## AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 will solely receive three new features
Among the five new features in iOS 26, three will be exclusive to the H2 chip:
1. Studio-quality audio recording
2. Camera remote
3. Enhanced voice quality
At present, Apple’s H2 chip is found only in two models: AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.
This means that AirPods Max (including the new USB-C variant), AirPods 3 and earlier models, as well as first-generation AirPods Pro will not have access to these upcoming features.
Here’s Apple’s press release attesting to this:
> Apple today previewed studio-quality audio recording and camera remote features for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and AirPods Pro 2, providing new means to capture content and enhancing communication for users. Updates to audio recording allow creators to capture studio-quality vocals on the move, and initiate or halt video recordings from afar with a simple press of the AirPods stem. Building on the advantages of Voice Isolation, AirPods users will also experience even clearer calls with improved voice quality.
For additional details on the features coming in iOS 26, check our previous coverage here.
PSA: If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your AirPods to a newer model, Amazon is currently offering some of the most impressive AirPods deals we’ve ever seen.
Which new AirPods features are you most eager to try? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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