AirPods Can Now Control Your iPhone Camera in iOS 26

In iOS 26, Apple borrowed a popular feature from the Apple Watch and added it to the AirPods. You can now press the stems of your AirPods to control your iPhone’s camera shutter just like using the Apple Watch as a remote shutter. This exciting upgrade makes your AirPods more than just an audio accessory.

This guide explains how to remotely control your iPhone camera with AirPods in iOS 26, plus all the extra features coming to AirPods with this update.

Prerequisites

• iPhone running iOS 26 (currently in beta)
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation or later) or AirPods (4th generation or later)
• Tripod for steady shots (optional)

Why Control iPhone Camera With AirPods?

Even though AirPods don’t show you the iPhone’s viewfinder like the Apple Watch does, the feature still has plenty of benefits:

• Hands-free photography: No need to rush into the frame after hitting the shutter.
• Better group photos: Perfect for family or friends without carrying a remote.
• Stable shots: Avoid shaking your iPhone when pressing the capture button.
• Vlogging convenience: Start or stop recording easily while keeping hands free.

How to Enable Camera Control With AirPods

Since iOS 26 is still in beta, you’ll need beta firmware on your AirPods to access the Camera Remote feature.

Install Beta Firmware on AirPods

First, you need to install iOS 26 beta on your iPhone, and then grant Apple permission to install beta firmware on your AirPods.

Here’s how:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
2. Open Settings and tap [Your Name] AirPods.
3. Scroll down and tap AirPods Beta Updates on the following menu.
4. Toggle on AirPods Beta Update.
5. Place your AirPods in the charging case near your iPhone and wait for the update.

There isn’t a fixed time; it can take seconds or minutes for the beta update to install.

Turn On Camera Control

1. Connect the AirPods to your iPhone.
2. Open Settings → [Your Name] AirPods.
3. Scroll down and tap Camera Remote under Camera Control.
4. Choose the preferred gesture from the available options: Press Once or Press and Hold.

How to Use AirPods as iPhone Camera Remote in iOS 26

Once setup is complete, here’s how it works:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone and wear at least one.
2. Open the Camera app and select the preferred camera mode: Photo or Video.
3. Now, frame your shot manually as you normally do.
4. Once your shot is ready, use the selected camera control gesture on your AirPods to remotely trigger the iPhone’s camera.
5. The gesture starts a 3-second timer, then captures a burst of 10 photos.
6. In case of video recording, using the camera control gesture again will stop the recording.

Other New AirPods Features in iOS 26

AirPods in iOS 26 aren’t just getting camera control. Apple is turning them into smarter companions with features like:

• Studio-quality recording with enhanced Voice Isolation for clearer audio.
• Sleep detection, which auto-pauses media when you fall asleep.
• Battery reminders to alert you when it’s time to charge.
• Smarter voice quality on calls, especially in noisy environments.

Redefining iPhone Photography With AirPods

The new AirPods camera control may seem small, but it’s a game-changer for creators, vloggers, and anyone who loves hands-free photography. Don’t be surprised if your AirPods become just as important as your tripod once iOS 26 rolls out globally.

Got questions about setting it up? Drop them in the comments, we’d love to help!

Related articles worth reading:

• iOS 26 Will Tell You When Your iPhone Lens Is Dirty
• iOS 26 Callback Reminder: Never Forget to Return a Call
• Adaptive Power in iOS 26: The Smart Way to Save Battery on iPhone
• How iOS 26 Alerts You About a Dirty iPhone Camera Lens
• iOS 26 Feature: AirPods Auto-Pause When You Fall Asleep