Apple’s most meaningful AirPods update is coming, and it’s aimed at content creators

There weren’t any new hardware announcements at Apple’s WWDC 2025, but the company did reveal what could be the most meaningful update yet for the AirPods line – one that might just shift how content creators use their iPhones.

Right now, if you’re an iPhone user looking to record decent audio for interviews, street vox pops, or a TikTok clip, you’re almost certainly reaching for a third-party solution like DJI’s Mic 2 or similar wireless clip-on mics. These gadgets have become staples for mobile creators, mainly because the built-in mic on the iPhone, while decent, just doesn’t cut it in noisy environments or when you're filming at a distance.

That’s where the upcoming AirPods update is aiming to close the gap. Later this year, the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2 will be able to record what Apple calls “studio-quality audio” straight from their ears (a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month). According to Apple, this is possible thanks to a combination of the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and its own computational audio trickery, which all work together with Voice Isolation to help your voice come through cleanly, even when the surroundings get a little chaotic.

This means you could skip the mic clip and just use your AirPods to record high-quality audio, whether you’re filming a video with the iPhone Camera app or recording vocals in Voice Memos. It’s also compatible with video conferencing platforms like Webex and FaceTime, along with third-party camera apps.

Adding to that is the new ability to use your AirPods as a remote control. Just press and hold the stem to start or stop recording – a small touch that makes a big difference if you’re shooting solo content and don’t want to constantly run back to your phone to hit record.

While I doubt the recording quality will be good enough (I’ll be happy to be proven wrong when the update arrives) to replace a dedicated mic setup, I thnk it’s great that Apple is trying to bring more creator-focused features directly into its ecosystem, without requiring users to fork out for yet another gadget.

To buy the Apple AirPods 4, click here. For the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), click here.

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