The new Camera Remote feature transforms your AirPods Pro into a wireless shutter for your iPhone's camera. You can now take photos or start and stop video recordings from a distance simply by pressing your AirPod stem. This makes it easier than ever to capture group shots, stable videos, or creative selfies without having to touch your phone's screen.
With iOS 26, you can now configure your AirPods Pro 2 or 3 to act as a remote camera control. In your AirPods Pro settings, you'll find a new Camera Remote option that lets you assign the shutter action to either a single press or a press-and-hold gesture on the AirPod stem. This feature is integrated directly into the system, requiring no additional apps.
Open the Settings app and tap on your AirPods Pro device name near the top.
Scroll down to the Camera Control section and tap Camera Remote.
Choose your desired trigger: Press Once or Press and Hold. Selecting one of these options activates the feature.
Open the native Camera app on your iPhone.
Press the stem on your AirPod to take a photo or start/stop a video recording.
For group photos, use the Press Once setting with the built-in countdown timer to give everyone a moment to pose. If you're using your iPhone on a tripod for vlogging, the ability to start and stop video recording with a simple stem press can make your workflow much smoother. Remember, this feature works in both Photo and Video modes within the Camera app.
The Camera Remote feature is a simple yet powerful addition that adds significant utility to your AirPods Pro. By turning your earbuds into a discreet remote shutter, you can capture better photos and videos with greater convenience and control. This eliminates the need for separate remotes or relying on the camera's self-timer for every shot.