The times of shopping for headphones and getting a static function set are lengthy gone. For the reason that launch of AirPods Professional 2 particularly, Apple has constantly upgraded AirPods merchandise with new options through firmware. In iOS 26, there are 5 extra new options coming—however greater than half are unique to AirPods with an H2 chip.
iOS 26 continues development of including new AirPods options
In terms of AirPods updates, Apple has gotten within the rhythm of huge annual function drops.
For instance, iOS 18 added nonverbal Siri interactions, Voice Isolation, and improved Personalised Spatial Audio. In iOS 17, AirPods acquired Adaptive Audio, Dialog Consciousness, and Personalised Quantity.
So what’s new for this 12 months?
There are 5 AirPods upgrades coming in iOS 26:
- Computerized pausing while you go to sleep
- Studio-quality audio recording
- Digital camera distant
- Computerized switching for CarPlay
- Enhanced voice high quality on calls
Every of those additions shall be included as free updates by means of new iOS 26-related firmware.
However a number of of them are solely coming to sure AirPods fashions
AirPods Professional 2 and AirPods 4 will completely get three new options
Out of the 5 new iOS 26 options, three of them shall be unique to the H2 chip:
- Studio-quality audio recording
- Digital camera distant
- Enhanced voice high quality
At the moment, Apple’s H2 chip is simply obtainable in two fashions: AirPods Professional 2 and AirPods 4.
Which means AirPods Max (even the new USB-C model), AirPods 3 and older, and first-gen AirPods Professional gained’t get these forthcoming options.
Right here’s Apple’s press launch confirming this:
Apple immediately previewed studio-quality audio recording and digicam distant options for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Lively Noise Cancellation (ANC), and AirPods Professional 2, delivering new methods to seize content material and bettering how customers talk. Updates to audio recording allow creators to report studio-quality vocals on the go, and begin or cease video recordings from a distance with a easy press of the AirPods stem. Constructing on the advantages of Voice Isolation, AirPods customers may also get pleasure from even clearer calls with enhanced voice high quality.
For more information on the options coming in iOS 26, take a look at our earlier protection right here.
PSA: if you happen to’ve been ready to improve your AirPods to a brand new mannequin, Amazon is at present working a few of the greatest AirPods offers ever seen.
Which new AirPods options are you most trying ahead to? Tell us within the feedback.
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