Overview
- The Keep Audio with Headphones setting prevents automatic switching from wireless headphones to CarPlay or other Bluetooth outputs.
- Turn it on in Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity by toggling Keep Audio with Headphones.
- Music, podcasts, and calls keep playing in AirPods after the iPhone connects to a car’s Bluetooth or CarPlay, and the feature also works with non‑Apple headphones.
- The option blocks unwanted jumps to nearby home speakers, helping maintain private listening outside the car as well.
- Users can still manually switch audio via Control Center or within CarPlay; the feature is available on iPhones running iOS 26 and was first spotted by MacRumors.