Apple Launches First Public AirPods Beta with iOS 26 Features

Apple starts a public beta for its airpods for the first time. Owners of the current models can test many fresh iOS 26 features such as a camera remote control and the promised new studio audio quality.

First public Airpods Beta available

Apple is currently working on its Airpods Pro 3. Both in earlier code and in a developer version of iOS 26, concrete references to the headphones and their new functions have been found. Now Apple started the public beta of iOS 26 on July 24, 2025. In this context, however, some current AirPods models now receive fresh software, with which owners can test all upcoming functions in advance. This provision is a premiere, because in the past only developers had received access to pre-versions of Airpods software.

Since the introduction of the first Airpods in 2016, Apple has always managed the firmware updates for its wireless headphones in the background. Users received automatic updates without the possibility to try out pre -versions. These practice differ significantly from other Apple products such as iPhone, iPad or Mac, for which public beta programs have existed for years.

Supported AirPods models

However, the beta firmware is only available for the latest standard and pro version of Apple’s earphones, since most new functions require the H2 chip. If you want to try the new functions, you need one of the following models:

• Airpods Pro 2 (Lightning)
• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
• AirPods 4
• AirPods 4 (ANC)

Studio quality for recordings and calls

The beta software brings many innovations. Particularly noteworthy is the new studio audio quality, which is intended to enable voice recordings at a professional level. The quality should correspond to that of a professional lavalier microphone. The technology uses advanced algorithms for noise suppression and sound optimization, which were specially developed for the H2 chip.

In addition, the voice quality in phone calls was improved by improved voice insulation and optimized microphones, which ensures more natural sound quality during calls and facetime conversations. These improvements are based on Apple’s years of experience in audio processing, which is already used in professional products such as Logic Pro.

Camera control and sleep function

According to Apple, the Beta firmware also brings other innovations. The camera remote control function now enables you to take photos by pressing the AirPods stem or start video recordings when the camera app is open. Another innovation is the automatic break function that recognizes when a user falls asleep. Then the media playback is automatically stopped.

A practical addition is also the “Keeping Audio with Headphones” option, which prevents the audio stream from switching automatically to the vehicle system when a car play connection is established. This function is particularly useful for users who use their AirPods as hearing aids.

Uncomplicated installation

The installation of the beta firmware is very easy. While developers used to have to go through complex steps with Xcode and special developer modes, the activation of a switch in the AirPods settings is now sufficient. After Registration with the beta program With an iOS or iPados device, Apple can activate the beta updates in the Bluetooth settings. The update is automatically installed when the AirPods are in the charging envelope and there is a connection to the iPhone or iPad, on which the public beta of iOS 26 or iPados 26 must also be installed.

However, Apple warns of possible stability problems in beta software. Once installed, the beta firmware can no longer be removed until a final version is published. This restriction is typical of AirPods updates, since the headphones have no way to downgrade. The complete publication of iOS 26 and the corresponding Airpods firmware is planned for September 2025.