The best new iOS 26 feature has nothing to do with your iPhone

As Apple’s WWDC 2025 developer conference approaches, all eyes were on iOS 26, macOS 26, and Apple’s other software releases. We got a huge redesign in the latest major iPhone update –called Liquid Glass – which is very exciting. But I think that the best upcoming iOS feature has nothing to do with your iPhone, and rather is all about AirPods.

You see, different versions of iOS introduce new AirPods features. Adaptive Audio came as part of iOS 17 and Head Gestures for Siri Interactions came as part of iOS 18, as some examples. And iOS 26 introduce some huge new AirPods features.

• Read more: iOS 26 is the latest iPhone update and it’s the biggest in years

Camera Control is one of the most controversial iPhone 16 features, and now it’s set to be heading to AirPods. Apple is adding the ability to take a photo with a tap on your AirPods stem, or hold it to start a video. It would absolutely ruin the aesthetic of your selfie, so makes the most sense for group pictures on a timer. Since, you know, your phone is otherwise in your hand. It seems like a pretty niche feature to me, but maybe content creators will like it.

Then there’s an update to iOS 26’s Audio Mix feature in the Photos app. This new functionality helps people to record videos all by using AirPods. In fact, I think this might be the most useful of all the new features. This new mic mode turns your earbuds into makeshift lav mics, which could be a game-changer for creators. Whether it’ll rival an actual lavalier mic is yet to be seen, but if it’s decent, that’s one less bit of kit in your bag.

You also now get to enjoy Voice Isolation through your AirPods, rather than just through your iPhone. The noise-cancelling tech uses the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio to cut out background noise and focus on your voice. It should result in more natural vocal texture and clarity across iPhone calls, FaceTime, and more.

You’ll be able to get your hands on these features in iOS 26 when it launches later this year. You’ll need to update your AirPods to get them as well.

• Related: iOS 26 system requirements: will it run on your iPhone?

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home