Following the release of a new firmware for AirPods last week, Apple has now released a new beta firmware made specifically for the second-generation AirPods Pro. Read on as we detail what to expect from future AirPods firmware updates.
New beta firmware available for AirPods Pro 2
The firmware released today has the build number 7B5013c. For comparison, the most recent firmware available to the public is 7A305. Again, this beta firmware is only available for AirPods Pro 2. Apple doesn’t provide details about what changes with the firmware released today, but the company has been working on new hearing aid features for its earbuds.
According to Apple, the new hearing aid features will be released later this year for AirPods Pro 2, but an exact date remains unknown.
Last month, with the release of iOS 18, Apple also introduced a firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 that enabled new head gestures to answer or decline calls. There’s also a new Voice Isolation mode for using the microphones and customizable Adaptive Audio.
Updating the AirPods firmware is a somewhat obscure process, as there’s no way to do it manually. If your AirPods are already running beta firmware, they’ll automatically download the update when paired with an iPhone connected to the internet.
If you want to install beta firmware on your AirPods for the first time, you need to download Xcode 16 to enable the Developer menu on your iPhone or iPad. Then you’ll find the option to install beta firmware on your AirPods. We have a detailed step-by-step guide here. Of course, you need iOS 18 to take advantage of the latest features.
Read also
- AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: should you upgrade?
- AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro: Apple wireless earbuds compared
- This is the new AirPods lineup following the announcement of AirPods 4
- Apple calls AirPods design ‘the snorkel,’ plus other AirPods 4 details
- Hands-on with AirPods 4: better in every way
- AirPods 4 no longer come with a USB cable in the box
- AirPods 4 tidbits: Secret capacitive button, Vision Pro lossless
- New Beats Studio Pro in Matte White bring AirPods vibes
- New AirPods Max are still missing these modern Apple features
- Using AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid is better than an over-the-counter dedicated device
- New AirPods Max with USB-C have exactly the same hardware as the original model
- Belkin launches new multi-use ‘AirPods Cleaning Kit’ alongside AirPods 4
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.