Testing New AirPods Features in iOS 26 Beta – Apple Missed a Game-Changing Function

Explore the fresh AirPods features in iOS 26 beta and why Apple missed adding a wireless microphone function that could revolutionize audio capture.

Diving Into the Latest iOS 26 Beta and AirPods Features

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the iOS 26 developer beta, hunting down every new feature I can find. One of the most exciting stops on my list? Testing out the new AirPods features baked into this update. Considering Apple’s AirPods are among the best wireless earbuds on the market, it's no surprise they’re continually adding capabilities to make them even more versatile.

Remote Control for Photo & Video with AirPods

One standout enhancement allows you to control photo and video shooting on your iPhone by simply tapping the AirPods’ stems. I personally tested this on my iPhone 16 Pro Max paired with AirPods Pro 2 running firmware version 8A293c. When filming, I can start and stop video recording remotely — a handy feature if you, like me, shoot a lot of video.

Setting my iPhone on a tripod and filming myself using the rear camera is way better than relying on the front-facing one. I hear the familiar recording start and stop chimes through my AirPods, providing clear feedback on the action.

A Missed Opportunity: No Wireless Microphone Mode

Here’s where things get frustrating. While this remote control feature is neat, Apple did not add the ability to use AirPods as a wireless microphone during video recording. It feels like a no-brainer — the earbuds are already on your head, perfectly positioned to capture your voice clearly. Yet, when I start recording video, audio is still captured through the iPhone’s microphone, which is often far from my mouth. This results in distant, less clear sound.

This omission is baffling, especially since the iOS 26 beta touts “studio-quality” audio recording with AirPods. In my tests, phone call audio quality definitely improved, with background noise like city traffic and taxi honks noticeably reduced. One would expect this benefit to translate to video audio as well, but sadly, it doesn't happen yet — a big missed chance for Apple.

Why This Feature Matters for Content Creators and Gamers

If Apple introduced wireless microphone support for AirPods during video recording, it would be a game changer for gamers, vloggers, and all kinds of content creators. I personally rely on a separate DJI microphone system for improved audio during shoots, but imagine replacing that with just your AirPods.

Even better, Apple could release an optional lanyard-style mount to clip an AirPod onto your shirt—great for interviews or dual audio sources. Given AirPods’ popularity as everyday music earbuds, this feature could revolutionize mobile video production.

Current Workarounds and What’s Next

Interestingly, some third-party camera apps like FiLMiC Pro and BlackMagic Camera allow AirPods to function as wireless microphones — but these apps likely don’t tap into the iOS 26 beta’s studio-quality audio enhancements.

Let’s hope Apple sees the huge potential here and integrates this function into the final iOS 26 release, expected this fall alongside the iPhone 17 launch.

Apple missed an obvious addition by not enabling AirPods as wireless microphones for video, which would elevate their utility for creators.

— Tech Enthusiast

Conclusion

Apple’s iOS 26 beta brings some neat AirPods features, especially remote photo and video control. But the glaring absence of a wireless mic mode leaves me wondering — will Apple embrace this innovation before the final release? It could redefine how we record audio on mobile devices. What do you think — would a wireless mic feature for AirPods change your content creation game?

FAQs

• How do the new AirPods features in iOS 26 improve video recording?
  You can now start and stop video recording remotely by tapping on your AirPods’ stems, making it easier to shoot hands-free.
• Can you use AirPods as a microphone for videos in iOS 26 beta?
  Not yet. While AirPods offer improved call quality, they don’t currently serve as wireless microphones during video recording in iOS 26 beta.
• Are there third-party apps that let you use AirPods as wireless mics?
  Yes, apps like FiLMiC Pro and BlackMagic Camera allow it, but they might not access the studio-quality audio features of iOS 26.
• Why is wireless microphone support for AirPods important?
  It would capture clearer voice audio directly from the earbuds, enhancing sound quality in videos compared to the iPhone’s built-in mic.
• When will iOS 26 and these AirPods features officially release?
  The final iOS 26 is expected this fall, likely alongside the iPhone 17.

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