This new feature is available in the AirPlay and Continuity option inside the General section in the iPhone's Settings app.
Highlights
iOS 26 adds new 'Keep Audio with Headphones' feature
AirPods no longer automatically switch to car Bluetooth speakers
The feature will work on all iOS 26 supported iPhones
Apple has added a new feature in iOS 26 that will eliminate a long-standing annoyance for AirPods users. Until now, whenever users started their cars, their iPhones would automatically disconnect from their AirPods and switch to the car's speakers. But the new 'Keep Audio with Headphones' feature in iOS 26 will prevent this problem. This will allow users to continue listening to audio on their AirPods, even after they get into the car.
This new feature is available in the AirPlay and Continuity option within the General section of the iPhone's Settings app. From there, users can manually turn it on or off. Once it's turned on, your iPhone will no longer automatically switch audio to your car speakers or other Bluetooth devices. Apple says this feature won't be limited to AirPods, but will work with any Bluetooth headphone or earphone that connects to your iPhone.
If you've turned this feature on but still want to switch to your car speakers, you can do so manually from the Control Center. If you prefer your iPhone to automatically switch devices as before, you can turn this feature off in Settings.
Keep Audio with Headphones' will prevent auto-switching on any Bluetooth speaker or device, not just in the car. This means that if you have a Bluetooth speaker or smart display in your home, your iPhone will no longer switch from your AirPods to it without your permission.
This update from Apple can prove to be very useful for those users who were troubled by the auto switching of the device while listening to songs or podcasts.
According to the company, the 'Keep Audio with Headphones' feature will be available on all iPhones running iOS 26. This means that if your device supports iOS 26, this feature will work for you, whether you use AirPods or any other Bluetooth headphones.
What is the Keep Audio with Headphones feature?
