Apple's iOS 26 introduced Camera Remote, letting compatible AirPods act as wireless shutter releases for iPhones. The feature works with AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2, but older models lack support. It's a practical alternative when you don't have an Apple Watch for camera control.

To enable Camera Remote, open Settings on your iPhone, select your AirPods, then find the Camera Control section. Choose either Press Once or Press and Hold to activate the feature. Your iPhone needs to run iOS 26.5.1 or later, which Apple released in June. Once configured, opening the Camera app lets you snap photos or record video using the AirPods stem or Digital Crown.

However, the feature requires at least one AirPod in your ears to work. Leaving them on a desk or in your hand won't trigger camera controls. There's also a trade-off: when Camera Remote is active, you lose access to Siri gestures and listening mode controls, depending on which press option you selected.

For users who already own supported AirPods, this adds genuine utility without extra hardware. It transforms existing earbuds into a convenient remote shutter, though the compatibility limitations mean many existing users will need to upgrade to access the functionality.