iOS 26: Apple Addresses Bluetooth Music Playback Annoyance with New Setting

Apple's iOS 26 update includes a new setting, "Keep Audio with Headphones," that prevents music from automatically switching from AirPods to another Bluetooth device. The setting is hidden in the iOS 26 public beta and can be enabled by toggling it on in the AirPlay & Continuity settings. This feature addresses a common annoyance when streaming music to wireless headphones or earbuds.

Apple's upcoming iOS 26 update is set to bring a significant improvement for AirPod users, addressing a common issue that has long been a source of frustration. The new setting, "Keep Audio with Headphones," will prevent music from automatically switching from AirPods to another Bluetooth device, such as a car speaker or a Bluetooth speaker. This feature is designed to provide a more seamless and uninterrupted listening experience.

The "Keep Audio with Headphones" setting will appear in the iOS 26 public beta, hidden within the AirPlay & Continuity settings. To enable the feature, users will need to toggle it on in the Settings app under General, then select AirPlay & Continuity. This setting will likely be turned off by default, but once enabled, it will ensure that music continues to play on AirPods even when another Bluetooth device is connected.

This update addresses a common annoyance faced by many iPhone users who use wireless headphones or earbuds. Previously, when a secondary Bluetooth device was turned on, the music would automatically switch to that device, requiring users to manually switch it back to their AirPods. The new setting aims to eliminate this inconvenience, making listening to music on AirPods more reliable and less frustrating.

The "Keep Audio with Headphones" setting is one of several new features and design changes expected in iOS 26. Other notable updates include a new "Liquid Glass" design, a streamlined Camera app, and enhancements to the Message and Phone apps. However, as is often the case with Apple's operating system updates, some of the most beneficial features are frequently left out of official announcements and are only made public through developer betas and early adopters.

Apple is expected to release iOS 26 in early to mid-September, coinciding with the announcement of its next-generation iPhones. For millions of iPhone users, the "Keep Audio with Headphones" feature could be one of the year's most underrated updates, addressing a common annoyance and improving the overall user experience.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/your-iphone-just-got-a-secret-upgrade-from-apple-heres-what-changed-overnight/articleshow/123457680.cms?from=mdr
[2] https://www.gearpatrol.com/audio/iphone-ios-26-keep-audio-with-headphones/