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AirPods firmware updates install automatically; Apple does not document a manual download button. To encourage an update, connect your AirPods to an up-to-date iPhone, iPad, or Mac on Wi-Fi, keep Bluetooth on, and leave the charging AirPods within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes. Then reconnect and check the installed version in Bluetooth settings.
How AirPods firmware updates work
Apple says updates are delivered automatically while AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. Its instructions do not offer a command to download or install firmware on demand. The 30-minute wait is a minimum under the stated conditions, not a guaranteed completion time; reconnect and check afterward. Apple’s firmware update instructions and version list were published September 17, 2026.
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How to encourage an update
AirPods and AirPods Pro
- Update the connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest available iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
- Turn on Bluetooth, connect the AirPods to that device, and connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Connect the AirPods charging case to power, place both AirPods inside, and close the lid.
- Leave the closed case within Bluetooth range of the connected device for at least 30 minutes.
- Open the case to reconnect the AirPods, then check the firmware version using the steps below.
AirPods Max
- Update the iPhone, iPad, or Mac, connect the headphones to it over Bluetooth, and connect the host device to Wi-Fi.
- Attach a charging cable to the bottom-right earphone and connect the other end to a USB charger or port.
- Keep the headphones within Bluetooth range of the connected device for at least 30 minutes.
- Reconnect the headphones and check the firmware version.
How to check the installed firmware version
On iPhone or iPad
Update iOS or iPadOS, then open Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the Info button beside your AirPods and scroll to About to find Firmware Version.
On Mac
Update macOS, then open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth. Click the Info button beside your AirPods to view their information.
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- 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.*
Apple’s AirPods User Guide also describes viewing device information by wearing the AirPods and tapping their name near the top of Settings on iPhone or iPad, or clicking their name in the System Settings sidebar on Mac. To identify a model, check the underside of each AirPod; for AirPods Max, look under the left cushion.
Compare the version with your exact model
Firmware numbers are model-specific. Identify your AirPods model first, then compare the installed version with Apple’s current model-by-model table at the firmware update page. The following values are the versions listed there as of its September 17, 2026 publication date; they are a dated snapshot, not a promise that these remain current.
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- 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.*
| Model | Version listed by Apple |
|---|---|
| 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 to do if the version does not change
- Check that the host device is updated, Bluetooth is on, the AirPods are connected, and the host has Wi-Fi.
- Confirm the charging case is plugged in with the earbuds inside and lid closed, or that AirPods Max are connected to USB power.
- Keep the AirPods within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes, reconnect, and check the version again.
- If the update still does not complete, Apple advises resetting the AirPods and retrying.
- If you do not have an Apple device nearby, Apple says you can arrange an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Appointment availability depends on location.
What Apple says recent and historical updates changed
Apple’s release notes for firmware 9A348 describe Custom EQ controls for adjusting low, mid, and high frequency response on AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2. They also describe GymKit heart-rate syncing for AirPods Pro 3 with compatible cardio equipment. These are Apple’s stated features; the notes do not provide an independent test or numerical accuracy result. See Apple’s current release notes and model requirements.
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As historical context only, Apple’s November 30, 2023 security notes say firmware 5E133, released April 11, 2023, addressed an authentication issue: “When your headphones are seeking a connection request to one of your previously paired devices, an attacker in Bluetooth range might be able to spoof the intended source device and gain access to your headphones.” Apple credits Yun-hao Chung and Archie Pusaka of Google ChromeOS for CVE-2023-27964. This 2023 example does not establish what a current release fixes. Apple’s security document.
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
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.*
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