Apple has announced that new features for AirPods, including studio-quality audio recording and a remote camera control, will be available in public beta starting in July 2025.
This is the first time Apple has decided to include updated AirPods firmware in the public beta program, with it normally being part of the paid developer service.
The features, which are part of the iOS 26 update, will be available for users to try out over the summer, Apple confirmed.
However, as with all beta software, I have reservations — and unless you’re particularly brave, I wouldn’t recommend testing this new software on the AirPods you use every day.
Betas are fun, but not for everyone
This is because beta software can be buggy and unstable and may not work as intended. So if you plan to try out the new AirPods features, proceed with caution.
I use my AirPods for hours every day, whether I’m on the go or trying to get work done in a busy coffee shop, and I’d never want to risk them not being fully operational to test out some features early. Even though these new features seem pretty clever.
The new audio recording feature is designed to help content creators capture better sound quality, while also improving dictation accuracy. The camera remote feature will allow users to trigger the camera app by squeezing the AirPods stem.
All of these new features will be available on the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2. However, you’ll need an iPhone that can run iOS 26 to access the new features. iOS 26 will support devices up to the iPhone 11.
Apple made the developer beta available on June 9, 2025, shortly after the end of its WWDC 25 keynote. The public beta is generally more stable than the developer version, but both carry risks. It is possible to brick your device if something goes wrong while installing the beta software.
If you want to try the beta, you can sign up for Apple’s beta software program when the public beta launches in July.
