Taking photos can be a fun way to capture and share memories, but sometimes taking a good photo can be difficult. For example, if you're taking a group selfie, it can be difficult to capture everyone in the frame without having your hand in the frame and still being able to press the camera's shoot button. iPhone. But when Apple released iOS 26 V Septemberthe company has given you the opportunity to use your AirPods photography, so all you have to worry about is finding the best angle for each one.
The iOS 26 update introduces several new features to your iPhone, including call checking And Liquid glass redesign. It also introduces Camera Remote for AirPods, which lets you take photos by tapping on the AirPods. But you need to enable this feature, and it only works with AirPods that have the H2 chip, such as the new ones. AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4.
If you have a pair of compatible AirPods, here's where to find the Camera Remote option and how to use it.
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How to turn on the camera remote control
1. Connect compatible AirPods to your iPhone.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap your AirPods in the Settings menu.
Your AirPods will have a different name.
4. Tap Camera remote control under camera control.
In the new menu you can choose either Click once or Press and hold. This refers to how you press the stem of your AirPods to take a photo. Click on what you prefer.
You can now use AirPods to take photos or record videos in the Camera app.
What you need to know about using AirPods for photography
Once Camera Remote is turned on, you can use AirPods to take photos or video in any camera mode, such as portrait or time-lapse.
When you use AirPods to take a static image, such as a photo or portrait, you'll see a countdown from three in the top left corner of your photo frame. Your iPhone's flash will also light up during the countdown to let you know the photo is about to be taken. If you take a selfie, you will only see a countdown on the screen.
The three second countdown is turned on automatically and I can't find a way to turn it off. You can extend the countdown in the camera by tapping the grid of dots in the top right corner of the screen and pressing Timer and press 5 or 10. You can press 3 seconds, but it will not change the countdown.
When you take a video with AirPods, you won't see a timer or anything. Pressing on AirPods is similar to pressing the record button on an iPhone. You can then tap the AirPods again to stop recording.
It's important to note that Camera Remote only works when at least one AirPod is connected to your iPhone. The easiest way to do this is to insert one AirPod into your ear. If you want to take a photo but don't want your AirPod to appear in the photo, you can activate the photo-taking process using Camera Remote, remove your AirPod from your ear during the three-second countdown, and hold it in your hand or pocket until your iPhone takes the photo.
More information about iOS 26 can be found here. my OS reviewhow to reduce Liquid glass effects in the update and how to enable call And text viewing on your iPhone. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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