Apple has unveiled new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, featuring the upcoming iOS 26 enhancements along with a significantly simpler installation process.
Updated AirPods firmware with iOS 26 features is now accessible and user-friendly
During WWDC yesterday, Apple showcased a variety of new features set to arrive for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with iOS 26.
The new features include:
- Remote Camera Control: Utilize your AirPods stems to take photos and record videos on your iPhone.
- High-Quality Audio Recording: Bringing the iPhone 16 Audio Mix capability to AirPods.
- Sleep Detection Pause: Content will now automatically pause if you often fall asleep with your AirPods in.
- Automatic CarPlay Switching: The long-standing automatic switching feature now extends support to CarPlay.
These enhancements will be rolled out this fall in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.
However, Apple has already launched new beta firmware, build 8A279d, providing a preview of some of these features.
For the first time, the installation of AirPods betas has been simplified for users.
Previously, enrolling in the AirPods beta program required an elaborate process involving a Mac and Xcode.
If you’re on the iOS 26 beta, you can now opt into beta firmware directly from the AirPods settings screen.
A new ‘AirPods Beta Updates’ section has been added where you can easily toggle beta updates on, similar to settings for other Apple devices.
Just follow the standard procedure for installing new AirPods firmware, and the beta version will be applied.
What do you think about the new AirPods enhancements coming with iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
