WWDC AirPods Leak: Smarter Features Coming, Says Report

Apple is preparing to roll out several new AirPods features, with announcements expected at its WWDC 2025 keynote, according to 9to5Mac. The site shared new features yesterday citing reliable unnamed sources.

These updates aim to improve usability across different scenarios—from falling asleep with music on to snapping photos hands-free. Check out what’s apparently coming below…

Apple is expanding its existing head gesture functionality. Currently, users of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 can nod or shake their heads to answer calls or dismiss notifications. The update may allow users to end “Conversation Awareness” volume adjustments with a simple gesture instead of touching the earbuds.

A new feature could automatically pause playback when AirPods detect the user has fallen asleep. While it’s unclear if this will use Apple Watch sleep data or work on its own, it’s designed to replace unreliable third-party sleep timers. As for preventing you from swallowing an AirPod while you fall asleep, that’s on you.

Also, users may soon be able to trigger their iPhone or iPad camera with a tap on the AirPods stem—a modern version of a feature once seen with wired EarPods.

Apple is also apparently working on a new “studio quality” microphone setting for AirPods. It builds on last year’s Audio Mix feature and could make AirPods more viable for content creators looking for portable mic options.

Lastly, AirPods will reportedly get improved pairing support for shared iPads in educational environments, reducing setup friction for students who use school-issued devices.

Again, these features, if true, will likely be announced at the WWDC keynote on Monday.