Overview
- The Camera Remote feature is live in testing and becomes available after enabling AirPods Beta Updates and receiving the beta firmware.
- Compatibility is limited to AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, with at least one AirPod worn to trigger the controls.
- Users turn it on in Settings under their AirPods entry by opening Camera Control, selecting Camera Remote, and choosing Press Once or Press and Hold.
- Photo mode triggers a three‑second countdown followed by a 10‑image burst, while Video mode starts or stops recording with the chosen gesture within Bluetooth range.
- Apple is expected to include the feature in the public iOS 26 release in mid‑September, alongside additions like sleep auto‑pause and improved call quality for AirPods.