WWDC 2025: AirPods to get camera control & sleep tracking?
Apple AirPods may soon allow you to snap photos with a tap and intelligently pause audio during sleep.
As we approach WWDC 2025, the tech world is buzzing with significant rumors. Apple's upcoming event is expected to unveil groundbreaking features for AirPods, potentially marking their most substantial upgrade yet. Recent reports strongly suggest that Apple AirPods will gain camera controls, sleep tracking, and new head gesture features at WWDC 2025.
According to a new report from 9to5Mac, the next-generation AirPods are poised for a major upgrade, introducing various functionalities that will allow users to control their iPhone and iPad directly from the earbuds. While there's speculation that Apple might temper its AI announcements at WWDC 2025 compared to previous years, and perhaps even some traditional hardware reveals, software updates are expected to include enhanced Siri features, battery optimization improvements, and, crucially, these advanced AirPods features.
What Are AirPods Camera Controls?
Following a flurry of rumors, the latest reports indicate a positive sign for the introduction of an AirPods camera control feature. This innovation would allow users to manage their iPhone camera directly from the AirPods' stem. Imagine taking a snap simply by tapping one of the stems! Previously, tapping the stem might have paused a video. It will be fascinating to see how Apple integrates this, whether it's always active or only when the camera app is open. This feature could redefine hands-free photography and video recording.
Sleep Auto-Pause: How Sleep Detection Might Work
Reports also suggest Apple could introduce an automatic sleep detection feature for AirPods. This functionality would intelligently pause audio content when it detects you've fallen asleep while wearing your AirPods. This addresses a common issue: listening to music or podcasts before bed, only for the audio to continue playing, draining battery and potentially impacting hearing. This sleep detection feature is expected to function similarly to the sleep tracking found on Apple Watch, though it remains unclear if it will work independently or in tandem with your Apple Watch for more comprehensive data.
New Head Gesture Feature
The Apple AirPods are also rumored to gain a new head gesture feature, building upon the Conversation Awareness introduced last year for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. This upcoming enhancement is expected to automatically adjust audio levels while you're speaking to someone, reducing sound so you can hear clearly. Additionally, there are reports that Apple plans to introduce a new Audio Mix feature – offering studio-quality sound – designed to remove unwanted background noise, much like a rumored feature for iPhone 16.
Release Timeline After WWDC 2025
While the official announcements are anticipated at WWDC 2025, the exact release timeline for these groundbreaking AirPods updates remains to be seen. Typically, major software updates roll out in the fall, following extensive beta testing.
