With the iOS 26 update, five new features are added to Apple’s AirPods headphones. However, three of these features will only be presented specially for H2 chip models. Although all users can take advantage of some innovations after the update, some functions will only come to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models.
According to Apple’s announcement, iOS 26 brings functions such as automatic pause with AirPods product software, advanced voice search quality, studio quality sound recording, remote control and automatic transition for Carplay. Only automatic pause and Carplay transition support will work on all AirPods models. Other three function – Studio quality recording, camera control and improved search quality – will be compatible with headphones with H2 chip. There are only two models that carry this chip right now: AirPods Pro 2 And AirPods 4. Therefore, AirPods 3, AirPods Max and previous generation models will not be particularly compatible.
The new automatic pause function will automatically stop playing media when the user falls asleep. The automatic transition feature developed for Carplay aims to make the transition faster and more stable between Apple devices. The sound recording feature of studio quality, which H2 chip models will have, will allow users to get high resolution sound over the microphone. Apple says that this feature is developed for users producing content. The remote control feature will also be pressed on the AirPods handle and will allow you to start and stop video recording with the iPhone.
Sound recording and camera control in studio quality only come to Airpods models with H2 chip.
The third feature that will increase sound clarity in calls is also limited to H2 chip models. Thanks to this feature, the sound transmitted to the other side will be separated better than the ambient noise. This will increase the intelligibility especially in the interviews held in the outdoor space. Apple’s statement, these developments are added to the current “audio insulation” system. The limited models to which these features will be offered restricts access to new functions for some users. Even the USB-C-connected AirPods Max model does not support these three new functions.
Apple, with the release of iOS 26, will offer all these innovations free of charge through the AirPods product software update. It was not specified exactly when the update would be released. The features that come with iOS 26 allow users to experience some functions without raising hardware. However, the fact that most of the software -supported features are closed to access with hardware limitations is another important detail. The company continues to position H2 chip models in the center.