New feature turns AirPods into a remote camera control device for iPhone

If you've ever fumbled with how to hold your iPhone to take the perfect group photo, or wished you had an extra hand to take selfies, AirPods are about to make those wishes come true with a new feature that's being added soon.

Specifically, with a simple gesture, your AirPods can act as a remote control for your iPhone's camera. There are many obvious uses for this feature. Whether you're shooting a panoramic scene or a tricky selfie, sometimes your phone has to be out of reach to capture the moment. Instead of rushing to use the timer or trying to find someone else to take the picture, you can simply prop up your iPhone and squeeze the stem of your AirPods for a moment.

This feature doesn't just stop at taking photos. It extends to video recording, too. And it works with third-party camera apps, too. Apple hasn't said exactly how it works, but it's safe to assume it'll simply use whatever camera mode or app is active on the screen. This is great for content creators, vloggers, or anyone who wants to take smooth, steady photos or videos without constantly touching their phone.

In addition to the remote camera feature, this update also brings a big improvement to audio recording. AirPods will soon be able to record studio-quality audio directly to the iPhone. This is a valuable feature for anyone who records voiceovers, interviews, or even just wants better audio for video calls. Overall, this update means that your AirPods are no longer just for listening to music. They're now a convenient creative tool that makes the Apple ecosystem more seamless and useful.

These features are available now in the Apple Developer Program, but most users should wait for a beta that will be available next month through the Apple Beta Software Program. These features will be officially released to AirPods 4 (both versions), AirPods Pro 2, and iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe this fall.