- Apple is deploying an automatic pause for airpods when you’re asleep
- It seems that the feature could also reach the Beats headphones
- The option is currently in test developer of iOS 26
In WWDC 2025 last month, Apple briefly mentioned a new Airpods feature with iOS 26: an alternative switch to make audio stop automatically if it falls asleep while using its wireless headphones. Now it seems that the same functionality is also reaching beats.
Beats, of course, is now owned by Apple, but before it was not clear if the Beats brand devices would get the pause media option. According to the code seen by the Steve Moser and the Macrumors, these headphones and headphones will be included.
At this time, you need the beta version of the iOS 26 developer and the beta version of the Airpods Firmware installed, and the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 4 to find the option: with its airpods in its ears, open the configuration on its iPhone, then Tap Airpods. You should see a new Pause the media when he falls asleep Lever switch.
It is an intelligent trick, but Apple has not explained how it works, and I have not yet had the opportunity to try it (although I am more than willing to spend some time to take a nap to work). Apparently you don’t need any additional hardware to work, such as Apple Watch.
Details to be confirmed
While the complete deployment of iOS 26 (due to September) is still a path outside, it has probably worked reliably, even if there is not much difference between someone who lay down and relaxes while listening to a podcast or a playlist, and someone who really falls asleep with their airpods inside.
If this ends up working reliably, it would undoubtedly be a characteristic welcome: it would help save in the battery life, as well as it does not lose its place in the media that you are listening, although it is not known how fast the automatic pause starts.
Nor do we know which beatic headphones will be included and will have the necessary sensor technology within them. Presumably, the most recent models would be included, such as impressive busts Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 that we reviewed earlier this year, but we will have to wait for Apple’s confirmation.
This pause functionality when sleeping is not the only new trick that reaches the best airpods with iOS 26: the Airpods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 will also get a better audio recording through its microphones and the remote control of the iPhone camera.