The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →AirPods firmware updates install automatically; there is no download or install button. To encourage an update, connect your AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac on Wi-Fi, power the charging case (or AirPods Max), keep the headphones within Bluetooth range, and wait at least 30 minutes. Then check the firmware version in Bluetooth settings.
What you need before updating
- An iPhone, iPad, or Mac with the latest available iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version.
- Bluetooth turned on, with the AirPods connected to that device.
- A Wi-Fi connection for the Apple device.
- For AirPods and AirPods Pro, a charging case connected to power. For AirPods Max, its charging cable and a USB charger or port.
Apple says firmware is delivered automatically while AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. Its documented process creates those conditions; it does not offer a manual firmware-file download. See Apple’s AirPods firmware update instructions.
Update AirPods or AirPods Pro
- Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest available operating system, and turn on Bluetooth.
- Connect your AirPods to the device over Bluetooth.
- Connect the iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
- Connect the AirPods charging case to power.
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Keep the lid closed and the case within Bluetooth range of the connected Apple device.
- Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Open the case to reconnect the AirPods to the device.
- Check the firmware version using the steps below.
Update AirPods Max
AirPods Max uses a cable rather than a charging case during this process. Use the same current-operating-system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and connection prerequisites described above.
- Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then connect it to a USB charger or port.
- Keep AirPods Max within Bluetooth range of the connected Apple device for at least 30 minutes.
- Reconnect AirPods Max to the device and check its firmware version.
Check the installed firmware version
On iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info button next to your AirPods.
- Find the firmware version under About.
On Mac
- Open System Settings and select Bluetooth.
- Click the Info button next to your AirPods.
- Find the firmware version in the AirPods information.
To determine whether your model has the latest firmware, compare the installed version with Apple’s current model-specific version list. The listed versions can change, so consult the live table rather than relying on an old version number.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.*
If the firmware does not update
Apple’s stated next step is to reset the AirPods, then repeat the update procedure. If you do not have an Apple device nearby, Apple says you can arrange an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have the firmware updated.
Choosing a charging cable for the case
If you need a cable to power an AirPods or AirPods Pro case, check whether your particular case uses USB-C or Lightning before buying one. Apple’s charging guidance explains that the connector depends on the case model: Apple’s AirPods charging instructions. A new cable is not a way to speed up the firmware update; it is only needed if you do not have a compatible way to power the case.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Rank #4
- 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.*
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.*
Rank #2
- 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
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