Apple's first iOS 26 beta includes a new "Keep Audio in Headphones" setting that addresses a common frustration for iPhone users juggling multiple audio devices.


Found in Settings ➝ General ➝ AirPlay & Continuity, the new toggle prevents audio from automatically switching to newly connected devices like car speakers or Bluetooth speakers when you're already listening through headphones or AirPods. Instead of having your music suddenly blast through your car's sound system, audio continues playing through your original output device.

This seemingly simple addition solves an awkward scenario many users will have experienced. Say you're listening to a podcast through AirPods while walking to your car, only to have it unexpectedly resume through CarPlay when you start the engine. Now you can stop that happening by enabling this option.

When iOS 26 launches this fall, the feature should provide welcome relief for anyone tired of their iPhone making assumptions about where they want their audio played. iOS 26 is available in developer beta, with a public beta dropping next month.

Article Link:New iOS 26 Setting Fixes Annoying Auto Audio Switching Issue

Arytonsenna said:

I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drive with headphones (especially noise cancelling) in most states.

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Definitely not if you are using them to talk on the phone. This is a great feature that is very welcome. Great job Apple!

Arytonsenna said:

I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drive with headphones (especially noise cancelling) in most states.

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While true (or so I've heard), a couple days ago I was talking to my wife on my AirPods, and I unlocked the car via the FOB That turns on the radio, and wireless CarPlay connected and switched over the audio. I was still 20 feet from the car.

Arytonsenna said:

I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drive with headphones (especially noise cancelling) in most states.

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But when someone in your family starts up a car you share and your phone connects to it when you’re just sitting in your living room, that’s annoying.

macjaffa said:

If we could control whether it auto starts when getting into car as well that would be great. I have about 20,000 plays of A.F.U (Naturally Wired) by Van Halen since that's the first track in my library that plays every time i get in my car. Even If my head unit is on Radio. It still plays in the background. The next track is Ab's Song, Marshall Trucker Band

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Yea it sucks. For a while I had a two minute blank track named AAAAA, by AAAAA in my library.

__ A A A A A A A A A __ on Apple Music

Listen to music by __ A A A A A A A A A __ on Apple Music.

music.apple.com