Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update introduces an intriguing AirPods feature that could quickly become a favorite among users, even if it wasn’t heavily emphasized during the WWDC 2025 conference. This software update, currently in developer beta, showcases various enhancements, including an appealing design and multiple practical features that may seem minor but significantly improve the user experience with Apple devices. One of the standout features is the ability for AirPods to automatically pause audio when the user falls asleep. This thoughtful addition saves the listener’s position in audiobooks and podcasts, eliminating the hassle of searching for the last point of engagement when they awaken.
Moreover, this function also helps conserve battery life by ensuring that the earbuds do not remain active throughout the night. Interestingly, there are indications that this feature may also be extended to Beats headphones, as suggested by code discovered by a MacRumors contributor. Users will find this option enabled by default in iOS 26 and can activate it by connecting their headphones to their iPhone and adjusting settings accordingly. However, Apple has yet to clarify the exact mechanism through which AirPods and Beats will detect when the user has drifted off.
Given that the Apple Watch employs various sensors, including an accelerometer, to monitor sleep, it’s likely that AirPods will utilize similar technology for this feature. The existing accelerometers in AirPods already perform functions like pausing music when taken out of the ear, which suggests a seamless integration of the sleep detection capability. To access this new feature, users will need to have iOS 26 installed, along with an updated firmware version for AirPods that Apple is currently testing. Public beta testing is anticipated to commence soon, with the stable release scheduled for fall, aligning with the launch of the iPhone 17 series.