AirPods: Does iOS 26 bring sleep detection, camera control, and new gestures?
The updates iOS 26 and macOS 26 could bring several new features to the Apple AirPods, including sleep detection and camera control options, reports 9to5Mac. The features would be introduced through firmware updates that accompany Apple’s new software.
The following rumors are currently circulating about the AirPods:
- New head gestures – Apple could introduce new head gestures, such as a gesture to adjust the call detection volume. Last year, Apple introduced nodding and shaking the head to accept or decline calls.
- Automatic pause for sleep – The AirPods could pause audio playback if the wearer falls asleep. This is likely done using sleep data from the Apple Watch, as the headphones do not have a sleep detection feature.
- Camera shutter – Apple plans to equip the AirPods with a shutter function that takes a photo on a connected iPhone by pressing the stem. It’s possible that the whole thing will also work with a timer, so the user doesn’t have their hand on their ear in the photo.
- Microphone Improvement – The AirPods could get a “studio-quality” microphone mode similar to the iPhone’s Audio Mix feature, allowing users to choose between Studio and Cinema recording options.
- Improved Pairing – Apple is apparently working on a feature that will improve the earbuds’ pairing with shared iPads for classroom use.
It’s It’s unclear whether these rumored features will work with all models or if some features are limited to the AirPods Pro. According to 9to5Mac, Apple may “delay or tweak” the features before their announcement. Apple is also expected to introduce a live translation feature for the headphones with iOS 26, translating personal conversations from one language to another.
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote begins on Monday, June 9, and Apple plans to unveil iOS 26 and macOS 26. There we’ll likely learn more details about all the new features that will be released alongside the software updates.
