In iOS 26, Apple has enhanced the integration between AirPods and CarPlay, enabling automatic switching support so AirPods can seamlessly connect to the active device, including CarPlay, improving user experience when transitioning between devices and in-car media control.
Apple is introducing five new features to the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 through a software update. These features include Adaptive Audio, which dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation based on the user's environment, Conversation Awareness that lowers volume and enhances voices in front while reducing background noise, Mute or Unmute for phone calls, Personalized Volume that fine-tunes the media experience based on environmental conditions and preferences, and improved Automatic Switching between Apple devices with faster and more reliable connection times.
Apple previewed Adaptive Audio and better switching for AirPods Pro 2 at WWDC. Adaptive Audio provides an intelligent mix of Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, while Personalized Volume fine-tunes the audio mix based on a user's regular environment. Conversation Awareness lowers audio volume and enhances voices in front of the user, and Automatic Switching provides a faster and more reliable connection time. All modern AirPods models now have a mute feature.