iOS 26 Public Beta New AirPods Update With Features You NEED to Know
Watch this video on YouTube. Who Can Use These Features?
The new features in iOS 26 are specifically tailored for the second-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4, supporting both USB-C and Lightning versions. Unfortunately, AirPods Max users are not included in this update, regardless of the model. This exclusion may disappoint those who rely on AirPods Max for their audio needs, but Apple's focus appears to be on enhancing smaller, portable, and versatile devices. This strategic decision aligns with the growing demand for compact, on-the-go audio solutions that integrate effortlessly into daily life. What's New? Key Features Explained
The iOS 26 public beta introduces several innovative features that enhance the functionality and integration of AirPods within Apple's ecosystem. Here's a closer look at what's included: Camera Controls: AirPods now allow you to control your iPhone or iPad camera using simple stem gestures. This feature enables hands-free photo-taking or video recording, making it particularly useful for content creators, group photos, or casual photography.
AirPods now allow you to control your iPhone or iPad camera using simple stem gestures. This feature enables hands-free photo-taking or video recording, making it particularly useful for content creators, group photos, or casual photography. Automatic Media Pausing: Media playback will automatically pause if no head movement is detected for 10 minutes. This is especially beneficial for users who fall asleep while listening to music or podcasts, making sure that playback doesn't continue unnecessarily.
Media playback will automatically pause if no head movement is detected for 10 minutes. This is especially beneficial for users who fall asleep while listening to music or podcasts, making sure that playback doesn't continue unnecessarily. Charging Notifications: Notifications will now alert you when your AirPods are fully charged. This helps you better manage battery life and avoid overcharging, which can prolong the lifespan of your device.
Notifications will now alert you when your AirPods are fully charged. This helps you better manage battery life and avoid overcharging, which can prolong the lifespan of your device. Apple Music Automix: This feature introduces smooth, DJ-style transitions between tracks, creating a seamless listening experience for Apple Music users. It's particularly appealing for those who enjoy curated playlists or uninterrupted music sessions.
These updates demonstrate Apple's commitment to improving the practicality and enjoyment of using AirPods, making them more than just audio devices. How to Access the Update
To explore these new features, you'll need to enroll in Apple's developer program and enable beta updates in your AirPods settings. Follow these steps to access the update: Ensure your AirPods are paired with a device running iOS 26.
Charge your AirPods for at least 30 minutes while connected to the device.
Enable beta updates in the AirPods settings menu.
If you encounter any issues during the update process or wish to revert to a previous firmware version, you'll need to contact Apple Support for assistance. Keep in mind that beta software may have bugs or limitations, so proceed with caution if you rely on your AirPods for critical tasks. Improved Usability and Settings Navigation
The iOS 26 update also introduces a redesigned layout for AirPods settings, making it easier to navigate and customize your device's functionality. The new interface is more intuitive, allowing you to quickly adjust settings such as noise cancellation, transparency mode, and gesture controls. Whether you use AirPods for media consumption, sleep, or daily tasks, these changes aim to simplify your experience and give you greater control over your device. Audio and Microphone Performance
While the update doesn't bring significant changes to audio or microphone quality, minor improvements may enhance the overall experience. Subtle adjustments to sound clarity and call performance contribute to a more polished user experience, particularly for those who prioritize audio fidelity and communication quality. These refinements, though understated, reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to fine-tune its products for optimal performance. What This Means for You
The iOS 26 public beta represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing AirPods functionality. Features like camera controls, automatic media pausing, and Apple Music Automix highlight Apple's dedication to refining its ecosystem and improving usability. While the exclusion of AirPods Max may leave some users disappointed, the focus on second-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 underscores Apple's commitment to portable and versatile audio solutions.
If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, these updates provide a compelling reason to explore the iOS 26 public beta. By integrating new features that prioritize convenience, efficiency, and entertainment, Apple continues to elevate the AirPods experience, making it an essential part of your daily routine.
Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iOS 26 public beta that you might find useful.
Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Gadgets News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Finextra
42 minutes ago
- Finextra
Grasshopper raises $46.6m
Digital business bank Grasshopper has raised $46.6 million to support its merger with Auto Club Trust. 0 Patriot Financial Partners led the funding round, with participation from Glendon Capital Management. Grasshopper serves small businesses, startups, venture capital and private equity firms, fintech-focused BaaS and commercial API banking platforms and SBA lending. After buying Auto Club Group - the second largest AAA Club in North America - earlier this year, the bank now has total assets of $1.33 billion. With funding in place, it now plans to expand is digital platform for business banking while laying the foundation for a broader range of offerings for consumers. "From the beginning, our vision has been to redefine what digital banking can do for entrepreneurs, modern businesses, and the ecosystem that supports them. With our recent acquisition, we are excited to expand that vision to serve consumers through our affinity banking partnership with The Auto Club Group,' says Mike Butler, CEO, Grasshopper.
Finextra
42 minutes ago
- Finextra
HSLC picks Vine for AI-powered commercial lending
HSLC, $227 million community bank serving Ohio and Kentucky, will reduce commercial loan processing time from days to hours after implementing Vine's AI-powered lending platform. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. The 130-year-old institution expects to eliminate manual document processing while improving accuracy across its commercial real estate, equipment financing, and agricultural lending portfolio. Based in Kenton, Ohio, HSLC recently opened branches in Lexington, Ky., where it does a majority of its business lending. The bank offers commercial loans for everything from commercial real estate to equipment financing and agriculture. 'When I first heard about Vine, I knew we had an opportunity ahead of us. If there was something out there that could truly cut our loan processing time down from days to just hours, we needed that,' said Chris Jones, president, CEO and director of HSLC. 'Anything that streamlines our work and makes us more efficient is a win for us and for our borrowers. We've had a great implementation with Vine and look forward to working with them.' With Vine, HSLC will have one unified system for the entire commercial loan lifecycle. The AI-powered system will cut down time-consuming, manual processes associated with commercial lending, including document reading, financial spreading, and document generation. While the platform increases efficiency, it also promotes accuracy by removing many of the errors associated with manual data entry or siloed lending systems. 'HSLC has a true dedication to their community and especially the businesses they serve,' said David Eads, CEO and co-founder at Vine. 'A big part of our mission is freeing community bankers up to do what they do best: build relationships with their customers. Chris and his team are a great example of that, and we are proud to support the banks making a difference in their local economies.'
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
OpenAI stops ChatGPT from telling people to break up with partners
ChatGPT will not tell people to break up with their partner and will encourage users to take breaks from long chatbot sessions, under new changes to the artificial intelligence tool. OpenAI, ChatGPT's developer, said the chatbot would stop giving definitive answers to personal challenges and would instead help people to mull over problems such as potential breakups. 'When you ask something like: 'Should I break up with my boyfriend?' ChatGPT shouldn't give you an answer. It should help you think it through – asking questions, weighing pros and cons,' said OpenAI. The US company said new ChatGPT behaviour for dealing with 'high-stakes personal decisions' would be rolled out soon. OpenAI admitted this year that an update to ChatGPT had made the groundbreaking chatbot too agreeable and altered its tone. In one reported interaction before the change, ChatGPT congratulated a user for 'standing up for yourself' when they claimed they had stopped taking their medication and left their family – who the user had thought were responsible for radio signals emanating from the walls. In the blog post, OpenAI admitted that there had been instances where its advanced 4o model had not recognised signs of delusion or emotional dependency – amid concerns that chatbots are worsening people's mental health crises. The company said it was developing tools to detect signs of mental or emotional distress so ChatGPT can direct people to 'evidence-based' resources for help. A recent study by NHS doctors in the UK warned that AI programs could amplify delusional or grandiose content in users vulnerable to psychosis. The study, which has not been peer reviewed, said the programs' behaviour could be because the models were designed to 'maximise engagement and affirmation'. The study added that even if some individuals benefited from AI interactions, there was a concern the tools could 'blur reality boundaries and disrupt self-regulation'. OpenAI added that from this week it would send 'gentle reminders' to take a screen break to users engaging in long chatbot sessions, similar to screen-time features deployed by social media companies. OpenAI also said it had convened an advisory group of experts in mental health, youth development and human-computer-interaction to guide its approach. The company has worked with more than 90 doctors, including psychiatrists and paediatricians, to build frameworks for evaluating 'complex, multi-turn' chatbot conversations. 'We hold ourselves to one test: if someone we love turned to ChatGPT for support, would we feel reassured? Getting to an unequivocal 'yes' is our work,' said the blog post. The ChatGPT alterations were announced amid speculation that a more powerful version of the chatbot is imminent. On Sunday Sam Altman, OpenAI's chief executive, shared a screenshot of what appeared to be the company's latest AI model, GPT-5.
