Free update in the works for Apple AirPods that could make recharging easier, and that's not all

airpods pro with the green charging light shown on the case and a macbook resting on the side

AirPods will benefit from a new status light to make it easier to know when you can unplug them and expect a full charge

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PEXELS | VALERIE POLISHCHUK

Taylor Bushey

By Taylor Bushey


Published: 13/08/2025

- 13:41
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The new system is currently in-testing, with release planned for later this year

  • The lights built into your AirPods case could become more useful
  • Apple is working on a new yellow indicator light
  • It shows your AirPods are still recharging and need more time plugged in
  • The new functionality was revealed in the latest iOS 26 beta release
  • Rumours suggest the feature comes ahead of all-new AirPods Pro 3

Ever grabbed your AirPods only to discover that they hadn't finished charging — and might not last long enough to finish your podcast or playlist? You're not alone. Thankfully, teams of engineers within Apple are working on a free software update for its bestselling AirPods that'll make it easier to know if your 'buds are recharged or still refilling at a glance.

The incoming update for AirPods will display three lights to confirm your AirPods' current power level:

  • A solid green light lets you know that your AirPods are fully charged
  • An amber light tells you there's less than one full charge left in the case
  • A solid yellow light indicates the AirPods are still charging

It's the last one of these three that's a new addition. It means, for the first time, from across the room, you'll be able to glance at your AirPods charging and work out whether it's time to pocket them again — or wait a little longer.

The LED built into your AirPods case only triggers when the earbuds are in your case and the lid is open.

When you plug in your AirPods, the status light will show the current charge level for eight seconds ...not always that helpful.

The presence of this new charging status light was discovered in the latest beta version of iOS 26. This upcoming software update for iPhone was first revealed back in June, but it's currently being tested by developers and experts. If you want to help out with the process, you can download iOS 26 ahead of its release.

During the beta process, Apple has been continuously adding new features to its next blockbuster release, which includes what the company has branded its 'broadest design update ever'.

pair of hands with tattoos on the arms open up the airpods pro charging case

AirPods Pro 2 are powered by the latest dedicated chipset for Bluetooth earbuds — the Apple H2

| THOM BRADLEY | UNSPLASH

Since the new charging lights are still being tested in the beta release, there's no confirmation that it will make the final cut. If Apple rolls out the next version of iOS around the same time frame as recent years, you can expect official word in September.

In addition to the new charging system, Apple users might also be able to get their hands on a new AirPod model. Rumours suggest AirPods Pro 3 will be announced alongside the iPhone 17 and the new Apple Watch.

Apple’s Vice President of Health, Dr Sumbul Desai talks to GB News Breakfast about a new feature that transforms AirPods into hearing aids

If the rumours are true, this would be the fourth generation of AirPods to hit the market. Whispers have alluded that you can anticipate the following features:

  • Better overall sound quality
  • Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out intrusive sounds
  • Heart-rate tracking and other fitness features

You can expect this new generation to support all of the functionality currently available in the AirPods Pro, including the ability to double up as a clinical-grade hearing aid.

Alongside the changes to the way AirPods will use the built-in LED to keep you in the loop about its charging status, there have been several other notable new additions in the latest beta release for iOS 26.

For starters, there's a new ringtone called "Dreamer" which several beta users seem to be a fan of during testing. Compared to other current Apple ringtones, this one sounds slightly more upbeat and fast-paced.

There are also faster transitions and the introduction of new open and close animations for launching apps, which reflect similar animations that can already be applied in the bubble effects of iMessages.

Your lock screen will also be treated to the much talked-about Liquid Glass redesign, which adds glass-like properties to drop-down menus, overlays and some text on your screen. It even refracts light like the real thing as you shift the device in your hand.

After updating to iOS 26, your phone may show a new startup sequence. When it restarts, you'll see an updated setup demo that walks you through the new features.

Similar to other beta releases, users can expect to experience some bug fixes. However, you may notice some new ones as Apple continues to move forward with updating its software development. Users have reported, though, that this beta feels more stable, reliable, and faster compared to other models.

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