Apple could be adding camera controls and sleep detection to your AirPods

• Apple may be introducing camera controls on AirPods, allowing users to snap pictures by tapping the stem.
• AirPods could gain sleep detection, automatically pausing music or audio when detected, although it’s unclear if an Apple Watch would be required for this feature.
• A new head gesture might be added to extend the volume adjustment made with Conversation Awareness, a feature that lowers audio while talking.
• Apple may introduce a “studio quality” mic mode on AirPods, similar to the iPhone 16’s audio mix feature that removes background noise from videos.
• The company is also working to simplify the process of connecting AirPods to shared iPads for students, aiming to make it easier for them to access their devices.

It sounds like Apple is preparing a big AirPods update for WWDC next week. A report from 9to5Mac says the company is working on a new feature that will let you control your iPhone or iPad’s camera with your AirPods. The feature will reportedly allow you to snap a picture by tapping the stem of your AirPods.

As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple is also planning a new feature that detects when you fall asleep while wearing your AirPods and automatically pauses whatever you’re listening to. It’s still unclear whether this would require an Apple Watch to work, since the watch can already track your sleep, 9to5Mac reports.

Apple may roll out a new head gesture, too, that would extend the volume adjustment made with Conversation Awareness, an AirPods feature that lowers your audio while you’re talking. There may also be a new “studio quality” mic mode for AirPods, which could be similar to the iPhone 16’s audio mix feature that removes background noise from videos.

Lastly, 9to5Mac reports that Apple is trying to make it easier for students to connect their AirPods to shared iPads by streamlining the process. We won’t have to wait much longer to see if any of these rumors pan out, as WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9th.

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