AirPods New Features WWDC 2025: Studio Audio & Camera Remote

AirPods Receive New Features and Gestures

At its WWDC 2025 event held on Monday, Apple revealed that its AirPods are set to gain several new functionalities and gesture controls.

Despite prior speculation regarding a wider range of gestures and enhancements, Apple specifically highlighted two core additions for the AirPods range: studio-grade audio recording and remote camera operation.

Enhanced Audio Recording Capabilities

The improvements to audio recording will allow users to capture content with significantly improved sound fidelity, even in challenging environments or while mobile.

This is achieved through a synergy of the H2 chip, advanced beamforming microphones, and sophisticated computational audio processing. The result is clearer, more authentic audio during iPhone calls, FaceTime sessions, and when utilizing other voice-based applications.

Remote Camera Control

AirPods users will now have the ability to initiate camera functionality simply by pressing and holding the stem of their earbuds.

This gesture can be configured to launch either the native camera application or a preferred third-party camera app, based on user preferences.

Furthermore, users can select whether the gesture triggers a still photograph or initiates video recording – a particularly beneficial update for content creators on platforms like TikTok.

Compatibility

These new features will be rolled out to the following AirPods models:

• AirPods 4
• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
• AirPods Pro 2

The introduction of the camera remote gesture may also serve as preparation for the adoption of augmented reality glasses in the future.