Apple just made AirPods beta firmware easier to get than ever in iOS 26

Apple has released new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, introducing the new iOS 26 features plus a much easier installation process than ever before.

New AirPods firmware with iOS 26 features now available and far more accessible

Yesterday at WWDC, Apple introduced several brand new features coming to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models with iOS 26.

New features include:

• Camera remote: Use your AirPods stems to capture photos and video on your iPhone
• Studio-quality audio recording: Bringing the iPhone 16 Audio Mix feature to AirPods.
• Pause with sleep detection: If you tend to fall asleep with AirPods in, now content will automatically pause.
• Automatic CarPlay switching: The years-old automatic switching feature now supports CarPlay.

These upgrades are launching this fall in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.

But Apple has already launched new beta firmware, build 8A279d, that offers a preview of some of these upcoming features.

It has also, for the first time, made installing AirPods betas easy for users.

Previously, joining the AirPods beta train required a convoluted process involving a Mac and Xcode.

But if you’re running the iOS 26 beta, you can now opt into beta firmware right from the AirPods screen inside Settings.

There’s a new ‘AirPods Beta Updates’ menu inside this Settings screen where you can toggle beta updates on, just like you can on most other Apple devices.

Then, just follow the typical process for triggering new AirPods firmware installations and the new beta firmware will be installed.

What do you think of the new AirPods features coming in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.

Best AirPods Pro deals and accessories

• AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
• Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
• Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
• AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
• Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro