Apple’s AirPods are on the brink of receiving several exciting new features, which may be unveiled during the upcoming WWDC event on Monday. Among the anticipated updates are an auto-pausing sleep detection feature and enhanced camera controls that could elevate the AirPods’ functionality to match, or even surpass, that of Android earbuds.
The WWDC is expected to focus primarily on iOS updates and AI-driven initiatives, yet several smaller announcements could greatly enhance the experience for AirPods users. Reports from 9to5Mac suggest that new camera controls will allow AirPods users to operate their iPhone and iPad cameras.
This feature appears to work similarly to earlier EarBuds, which utilized the earphone stem as a means to control the camera. However, details regarding the range of control are still murky.
Ideally, a feature similar to the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 would be included, but early indications suggest it may function by merely triggering the shutter. Historically, companies like OnePlus and OPPO have offered camera shutter support through their earbuds, giving them a leg up.
With these potential updates, Apple is now poised to compete more effectively with leading earbud manufacturers. In addition to camera controls, AirPods may introduce a sleep detection feature that automatically pauses media playback when users fall asleep.
This could be especially valuable for those who use earbuds to help them drift off to sleep. Additional rumored features include head gesture controls for answering calls or dismissing notifications, simplified pairing for AirPods with shared iPads, and a studio microphone mode leveraging Apple’s Audio Mix technology.
We expect to learn more during WWDC 2025, starting on June 9.
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