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Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, kicks off Monday. This year, the company announced a rebrand of its operating system naming scheme and design, revealed new Apple Intelligence features, showcased some CarPlay capabilities, and much more.
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New hardware typically isn't on the menu during WWDC, and analysts and industry insiders asserted that an AirPods Pro 3 appearance wouldn't happen until late 2025 or early 2026. But Apple often rolls out new AirPods features alongside its iOS updates, and users have a handful of them to look forward to, as recently reported by 9to5Mac.
1. Camera remote
According to Apple, AirPods 4 with ANC, without ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 users can use their AirPods to control their device's camera shutter. This feature is compatible with iPhone and iPad through the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps. Although this feature is new to AirPods, it is currently available with Apple's wired EarPods.
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Apple asserted this feature is ideal for content creators, allowing them to set up their camera, position themselves, and then press or hold their AirPod stem to take a photo or start a video.
2. Studio-quality audio recording
You can say goodbye to bulky or wired headphones for recording studio-quality audio for your interview, song, or podcast. According to Apple, the AirPods 4 with ANC, without ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 -- all of which share Apple's advanced H2 audio chip -- can record audio in clearer quality.
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Apple said this feature builds on Voice Isolation, which was introduced during last year's WWDC. The AirPods' beamforming microphones, Voice Isolation software, and strong audio processing capabilities contribute to clearer voice pickup. Apple also asserts that these AirPods' voice pickup capabilities reproduce a natural voice texture, which is paramount for creating high-quality audio.
Which AirPods are getting new features?
The AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, without noise cancellation, and the AirPods Pro 2 are receiving the new software features. These three AirPods share Apple's advanced H2 audio chip, which is responsible for the computing power required for improved noise cancellation, microphone performance, and audio quality.
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The AirPods Max use Apple's H1 audio chip, so they won't receive advanced features that require the computing power of the H2.
How do I update my AirPods?
AirPods updates are folded into iOS updates on your iPhone. Once you update your phone to the newest iOS package, any new AirPods features within it should become available, provided your iPhone is compatible with the latest iOS version and your AirPods are compatible with those features.
When are new AirPods coming?
Apple didn't announce new AirPods during this year's WWDC. Last fall, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman disclosed that Apple has no "meaningful" plans to release the AirPods Max 2 soon.
Industry insiders now say consumers can expect the AirPods Pro 3 in late 2025 or early 2026.
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According to Bloomberg's Gurman, Apple is working on a complete overhaul of AirPods Pro, including redesigned buds and a charging case, an upgraded audio processor, in-ear temperature detection, and in-ear heart rate monitoring.
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