Have you ever had your iPhone abruptly switch audio from your headphones to a car stereo or Bluetooth speaker and found this auto-behavior frustrating? If you are nodding in the affirmative, there is a high chance you will appreciate this new iOS 26 feature. Follow along to learn how to prevent your iPhone from automatically switching audio output in iOS 26.
What’s “Keep Audio in Headphones and How does It Work in iOS 26?
With the release of iOS 26, Apple has added a dedicated toggle called “Keep Audio in Headphones.” This setting is designed to prevent your iPhone from rerouting audio to a newly connected device when you’re already using headphones or AirPods.
Whether you’re on a walk listening to a podcast, at the gym with your favorite playlist, or on a call through AirPods, iOS 26 will now respect your current listening setup. No more unexpected jumps in audio output the moment you start your car or turn on a Bluetooth speaker nearby.
How to Enable the “Keep Audio in Headphones” Setting
To activate this feature on your iPhone running iOS 26:
Step 1. On your iPhone running iOS 26 or later, open the Settings app.
Step 2. Now, tap General.
Step 3. Tap on AirPlay & Continuity.
Step 4. Finally, toggle on Keep Audio in Headphones, and you are all set!
Once activated, your iPhone will no longer automatically switch audio to a newly paired output device when you’re already connected to headphones or AirPods.
Why does It Matter?
This small change solves a major annoyance for users who frequently move between different environments. Before iOS 26, audio switching could occur without warning, leading to missed parts of songs, awkward moments in public, or disrupted podcast episodes.
The new toggle ensures your listening experience remains consistent, especially during tasks like commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home.
A Quiet but Powerful Upgrade
While it may seem like a minor feature, “Keep Audio in Headphones” significantly improves day-to-day usability for iPhone users. It’s a great example of Apple listening to user feedback and delivering practical solutions.
Currently, iOS 26 is available as a developer beta, with a public beta expected in July. The final version will launch this fall, and this feature is one of many small but impactful updates users can look forward to.
Wrapping up..!
If you’ve ever been annoyed by sudden audio shifts, this new setting in iOS 26 is a must-use. With just a quick toggle, you can enjoy a smoother, more predictable audio experience on your iPhone.
