iOS 26 introduces a quiet fix that finally stops AirPods audio hijacking

iOS 26 brings a handful of upgrades for AirPods, but one of its most useful additions is tucked away in a settings menu most people rarely open. Apple has added a small but meaningful control that prevents your iPhone’s audio from being taken over by nearby Bluetooth speakers, an annoyance that has plagued users for years. Called ‘Keep Audio with Headphones’, this new toggle ensures your AirPods hold on to the audio stream even when your phone detects a car system or any other Bluetooth speaker trying to connect.

Anyone who uses AirPods regularly has probably dealt with this problem at some point. You are listening to music or a podcast, everything is working fine, and suddenly a nearby Bluetooth device grabs the audio without warning. It is jarring and awkward, and in many cases, it ends up blasting sound through a car or speaker you never intended to use. For many users, car stereos are the biggest culprit, especially those that auto-connect every time the ignition turns on. With iOS 26, Apple is finally giving control back to the listener.

The setting is off by default, which makes sense, since some people still prefer automatic audio switching. But for those who value consistency and privacy, turning it on is straightforward. Open Settings, go to General, tap AirPlay & Continuity, and switch on ‘Keep Audio with Headphones’. Apple’s own description is clear that, once enabled, your audio will stay on your AirPods or other wireless headphones even when another device tries to connect. It is not a flashy feature, but it directly addresses a long-standing irritation that has never had a system-level solution until now.

The timing is interesting. Apple has recently added support for automatic CarPlay switching, and giving users more control over competing Bluetooth behaviours fits neatly into that broader upgrade. It is also part of a gradual shift towards letting users decide how their devices respond to nearby hardware such as cars, Macs, HomePods, or temperamental third-party Bluetooth speakers. With this change, the iPhone becomes a bit more predictable, and AirPods become far less likely to be interrupted by external devices unexpectedly. It is a quiet addition, but one that will make everyday listening smoother for a lot of people.