New iOS 26 Setting Fixes Annoying Auto Audio Switching Issue

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.

keep audio headphones ios 26
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.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

constantsnags! Avatar
12 weeks ago
I want a setting that prevents any other app from hijacking my music unless I specifically allow it do so on a use-by-use basis.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arytonsenna Avatar
12 weeks ago
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drive with headphones (especially noise cancelling) in most states.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macjaffa Avatar
12 weeks ago
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
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
karnac Avatar
12 weeks ago
groundbreaking stuff here. only took them 19 years to figure it out.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MallardDuck Avatar
12 weeks ago
Better but what I want is the reverse, don’t ever switch my AirPods automatically to any device.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
12 weeks ago

I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drive with headphones (especially noise cancelling) in most states.
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.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)