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AirPods firmware updates install automatically; Apple does not provide a manual download button. To encourage an update, connect your AirPods to an up-to-date iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Bluetooth on and Wi-Fi available, then follow the charging steps for your model and leave it within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, reconnect and check the firmware version in Bluetooth settings.
How to install an AirPods firmware update
Apple’s instructions deliver firmware automatically when AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. First update the host device to the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, turn on Bluetooth, connect the AirPods, and connect the host to Wi-Fi. Then use the procedure for your AirPods family. Apple’s U.S. support page, published September 17, 2026, documents the following process: AirPods firmware updates.
AirPods and AirPods Pro
- Connect the charging case to power.
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid.
- Keep the closed case within Bluetooth range of the connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac for at least 30 minutes.
- Open the case to reconnect the AirPods, then check the installed version.
AirPods Max
- Connect AirPods Max to an up-to-date iPhone, iPad, or Mac over Bluetooth, and connect that host to Wi-Fi.
- Attach the charging cable to the bottom-right earphone and connect the other end to a USB charger or port.
- Keep AirPods Max within Bluetooth range of the host for at least 30 minutes.
- Reconnect the headphones and check the installed version.
“At least 30 minutes” is Apple’s minimum waiting guidance, not a promised completion time. Leave the devices connected under the stated conditions, then check whether the version changed.
How to check your AirPods firmware version
On iPhone or iPad
- Update iOS or iPadOS.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info button beside your AirPods.
- Scroll to About and find Firmware Version.
Apple’s AirPods User Guide also describes wearing the AirPods and tapping their name near the top of Settings to view device information: AirPods User Guide.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
On Mac
- Update macOS.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Click the Info button beside your AirPods to view their information.
The User Guide also says to click the AirPods name in the System Settings sidebar. To confirm which model you have, check the underside of each AirPod or, for AirPods Max, under the left cushion.
Compare the version with your exact model
Firmware versions vary by model, so identify your AirPods before comparing numbers. Apple’s U.S. support page listed these versions on September 17, 2026; the list can change, so consult Apple’s current model-by-model version table rather than treating this snapshot as permanent.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
| AirPods model | Version listed by Apple (September 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| AirPods Max 2 | 9A348 |
| AirPods Max 1 (USB-C) | 7E108 |
| AirPods Max 1 (Lightning) | 6F25 |
| AirPods Pro 3 | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro 1 | 6F21 |
| AirPods 5 | 9A350 |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | 9A350 |
| AirPods 4 | 9A348 |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | 9A348 |
| AirPods 3 | 6F21 |
| AirPods 2 | 6F21 |
| AirPods 1 | 6.8.8 |
What Apple says recent firmware adds
Apple’s release notes for version 9A348 describe Custom EQ controls for adjusting low, mid, and high frequencies on AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2. The notes also describe GymKit heart-rate syncing for AirPods Pro 3 with compatible cardio equipment. These are Apple’s release-note descriptions, not independent test results; see the Apple firmware release notes for the applicable system requirements.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →As historical security context, Apple’s notes for firmware 5E133, released April 11, 2023, say it addressed an authentication issue. Apple described a scenario in which an attacker within Bluetooth range might spoof a previously paired device’s connection request. The security document credits Yun-hao Chung and Archie Pusaka of Google ChromeOS with CVE-2023-27964: Apple security content for AirPods firmware update 5E133. This 2023 fix does not establish what a current release addresses.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
What to do if AirPods do not update
- Confirm that iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is up to date, Bluetooth is on, the AirPods are connected, and the host has Wi-Fi.
- Check that the charging case is connected to power with the AirPods inside and the lid closed, or that AirPods Max is connected to USB power.
- Keep the AirPods within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes, reconnect, and check the version again.
- If the version still has not changed, Apple advises resetting the AirPods and retrying the update process.
If you do not have an Apple device nearby, Apple says you can arrange service at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Appointment availability and service timing depend on the location.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
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