AirPods to Receive Charging Case Battery Updates Alongside iOS 26

Apple’s forthcoming iOS 26 operating system update is set to introduce notable enhancements for its AirPods lineup, primarily focused on improving battery management and user notifications. The changes, which include a rare modification to the AirPods charging case’s functionality, are generating considerable interest among users.

The forthcoming update notably alters how the charging case communicates its battery status, representing a first for Apple’s devices as the indicator light is expected to differentiate between active charging and the need for replenishment. The revised system is anticipated to be initially available for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods (4th generation) models. Compatibility with older AirPods generations or the USB-C version of the AirPods Max remains unconfirmed.

Apple has not officially acknowledged these upcoming changes, but the iOS 26 release is slated for September, coinciding with the expected launch of the iPhone 17.