AirPods users will see different personal audio controls in iOS 27, with an improved settings menu that should make them easier to manage.
While AirPods don't really have an operating system that gets featured at WWDC, the audio line can still be affected by changes. For WWDC 2026, that will involve iOS 27 as well as iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
According to Mark Gurman in Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple will be altering how the AirPods are controlled within the operating systems. A revamp for the settings menu will apparently make it more functional and better organized.
The change will make it easier for users to manage AirPods overall. There's also a claim that major features will be better highlighted to users, however details were not disclosed in the report.
Apple is updating the controls after hearing feedback from users, who have apparently urged for there to be a separate AirPods control app. Such an app would copy the versions available to the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro.
However, it is doubtful that such an app would make its way to iOS and iPadOS anytime soon.
