How to Try IOS 26 AirPods Beta Features Right Now

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One of the most underrated new features of iOS 26 is the ability to test new AirPods features before they’re released to everyone else. Yes, Apple’s latest operating system now lets you download and install beta firmware updates for your AirPods. Here’s everything you need to know to try it out for yourself, and a quick list of features you can try right now.

Don’t Upgrade Your AirPods Recklessly

First, if you value reliability above all else, I wouldn’t recommend installing beta firmware on your AirPods. This is because betas aren’t as polished as release versions and may contain bugs. For your AirPods, this could mean frequent disconnections, audio dropouts, pairing issues, poor microphone quality, or one of many other potential pitfalls. This doesn’t mean you’ll always run into problems when using betas, but there’s always a risk of running into problems. While it’s possible to revert to a stable version of iOS or macOS even after installing a beta, you can’t do that with AirPods. It’s important to understand the risks before you decide to try out these beta features.

What you need to try the AirPods beta firmware

To try out the beta firmware on your AirPods, you’ll first need an iPhone/iPad running iOS 26/iPadOS 26, or eventually a Mac running macOS 26. The following AirPods models support the beta firmware:

  • AirPods 4

  • AirPods 4 (with active noise cancellation)

  • AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

  • AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning)

How to Install AirPods Beta Firmware

All that said, the actual process of installing the AirPods beta firmware is pretty straightforward. On your iPhone with iOS 26, connect your AirPods and go to Settings > Bluetooth . Tap the i button next to your AirPods name, scroll down, and tap AirPods Beta Updates . On the next page, turn on the switch that appears. These instructions also work for devices with iPadOS 26.

What do you think at the moment?

Mac users will have to wait a little while before they can install the beta firmware on their AirPods, but Apple says it’s coming soon. Once the feature is live, you’ll need to go to System Preferences > Bluetooth on your Mac and click the i button next to the name of your AirPods. Select AirPods Beta Updates and turn it on.

New iOS 26 Features You Can Try on Your AirPods Now

The beta update brings a number of new Airpods features , so there’s no shortage of things to try out. Here are the most important ones:

  • Camera Remote : You can tap the body of your AirPods to take a photo on your iPhone or start/stop recording a video.

  • Better call quality : Apple promises to improve the audio quality during phone calls, FaceTime calls, and other calling apps.

  • Keep audio on AirPods : When your iPhone connects to other Bluetooth devices, you can continue playing audio through your AirPods.

  • ‘Studio-quality’ recording : Apple says AirPods microphone will be able to record higher-quality audio in iOS 26.

  • Automatically pause before bed : When you put your AirPods in before bed, they automatically pause audio as you fall asleep.

  • Automatic switching with CarPlay : You’ll notice that your iPhone’s audio automatically switches to CarPlay as soon as you get into your car.

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