How to Try iOS 26's AirPods Beta Features Right Now
One of the most underrated new features in iOS 26 is trying out new AirPods features before they're released to everyone else. Yes, Apple's newest operating system now lets you download and install beta firmware updates to your AirPods. Here's everything you need to know to try this out yourself, and a quick list of the features you can try right away.
Don't update your AirPods recklessly
First, if you value reliability over everything else, I'd recommend against installing beta firmware on your AirPods. This is because betas are not as polished as release versions, and may come with bugs. For your AirPods, that could mean frequent disconnection, audio cutting out, pairing issues, degraded mic quality, or one of many other potential pitfalls. This isn't to say that you'll always face issues when using betas, but there's always a risk of encountering problems. While it's possible to return to a stable version of iOS or macOS even after installing a beta version, you can't do so with AirPods. It's important to understand the risks before you opt to try these beta features out.
What you need to try out beta AirPods firmware
To try out beta firmware on your AirPods, you'll first need to have an iPhone/iPad running iOS 26/iPadOS 26, or eventually, a Mac running macOS 26. The following AirPods models support 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
With the preamble aside, the actual installation process for AirPods beta firmware is fairly straightforward. On your iPhone running 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, enable the toggle that shows up. These instructions also work for devices running iPadOS 26.
Mac users will have to wait a little bit before they can install beta firmware to their AirPods, but Apple says it's coming soon. Once the feature is live, you'll need to go to System Settings > Bluetooth on your Mac and tap the i button next to your AirPods' name. Select AirPods Beta Updates and enable them.
The new iOS 26 features you can try on your AirPods now
The beta update comes with a number of new Airpods features, so there's no shortage of things to try. Here are the big ones:
Camera remote: You can press the stem of your AirPods to take a photo with your iPhone, or to start/stop a video recording.
Better call quality: Apple's promising improved audio quality on phone calls, FaceTime calls, and for other calling apps.
Keep audio on AirPods: When your iPhone connects to other Bluetooth devices, you'll be able to choose to keep playing audio via your AirPods.
'Studio-quality' recording: Apple says your AirPods' mic will be able to record higher quality audio in iOS 26.
Auto-pause at bedtime: When you wear your AirPods to bed, they'll be able to pause audio automatically as you fall asleep.
Automatic switching with CarPlay: You'll notice that your iPhone's audio automatically switches to CarPlay as you enter your car.