AirPods are getting a slew of new features in iOS 26, including the ability to pause if you fall asleep, but the latest beta includes a new feature Apple didn’t tell us about.
As spotted by Minimal Nerd on X, the iOS 26 beta now has a new charging case feature that “more clearly indicates charging status.” Instead of just two colors—green for charged and amber for charging—the latest update brings three colors:
- Green: AirPods are charged
- Yellow: AirPods are charging
- Orange: The case needs to be charged
Based on the image Minimal Nerd supplied, the differences between yellow and orange are slight, but presumably the orange light will only appear when the AirPods are out of the case and the case’s remaining charge dips below a certain percentage, likely 10-20 percent. Now, you’ll know exactly when you need to charge your case, so the next time you pull out your AirPods to listen, you won’t run out of juice in the middle of a run.
The screenshot provided also says that the AirPods case “will remind you when it’s time to charge,” a feature that previously popped up in the iOS 26 beta.
iOS 26 will support AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Apple is expected to launch iOS 26 in September alongside the iPhone 17.
Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.