AirPods Update Will Bring Studio Audio and Camera Remote Features

Apple previewed a set of new capabilities for its AirPods lineup during yesterday's WWDC keynote, including studio-quality audio recording and a remote camera function. The new features are aimed at content creators and will roll out with a free firmware update later this year.

With the update, AirPods will get a studio-quality audio recording feature, letting creators capture clearer vocals directly on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Powered by the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio, the feature leverages Voice Isolation for more natural vocal texture. Apple says this will be supported in the native Camera and Voice Memos apps, dictation in Messages, and video conferencing apps like Webex. This improved audio quality also extends to general communication, enhancing voice clarity across iPhone calls, FaceTime, and other CallKit-enabled apps.

A new camera remote feature will also make it easier to capture content from a distance. While using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad, users can press and hold the AirPods stem to take a photo or start a video recording, and another press-and-hold will stop it. This functionality was one of several rumored features for the earbuds and should be a useful tool for creators who need to record themselves while syncing to a soundtrack.


The new features are coming to AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2 (on sale for $80 off today). A developer beta is available now, with a public beta to follow next month. The final release is scheduled for this fall and will require devices to be running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe 26. Apple notes that some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.