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Apple AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n
AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
June 20 update. This post, first published on June 17, was updated with more details of the AirPods software, and firmware update for earbuds from Apple\u2019s other brand, Beats. <\/p>\n
Apple has just updated the firmware for its AirPods Pro earbuds. The last update for AirPods Pro 3 was two months ago, but was restricted to the third-generation of Pro AirPods only. This time the software is for AirPods Pro 2 as well. Installation is not quite as intuitive as for the iPhone \u2014 full details below. <\/p>\n
And no sooner had the AirPods update arrived but there was another software release, for Beats Studio Buds, Apple\u2019s other headphone brand. More on that below. <\/p>\n
ForbesApple iPhone 18 Pro Release Date: How WWDC 2026 Clues Signal September LaunchBy David Phelan<\/a>What\u2019s In The New AirPods Pro Firmware Update?<\/p>\n Firmware updates for Apple\u2019s earbuds happen sporadically and are usually accompanied by the briefest of release notes. Apple merely says the new firmware is all about \u201cBug fixes and other improvements,\u201d on its support page<\/a>. <\/p>\n That\u2019s identical to the notes for the 11 updates that preceded it, by the way. In other words, there\u2019s not much to be deduced here, unlike the extensive notes which accompanied the release of AirPods Pro 3 last fall. <\/p>\n Nonetheless, bug fixes and improvements seem like good things to have, so here\u2019s how it\u2019s done. <\/p>\n \u201cApple typically keeps firmware updates for its audio products fairly lightweight on details. Most changes happen under the hood. That means users are unlikely to notice new functionality immediately,\u201d Trusted Reviews commented. <\/p>\n \u201cEven so, users may see improvements in connection stability, audio performance, or battery optimisation,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n Whatever the details, bug fixes and improvements seem like good things to have, so here\u2019s how it\u2019s done starting with the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n How To Update AirPods Pro 2 And AirPods Pro 3 Firmware<\/p>\n Unlike an iPhone software update, which just involves going to Settings and choosing Software Update, the route here is a little more circuitous. <\/p>\n First, make sure the Apple device to which you\u2019re going to connect the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2 is on the latest software, with Bluetooth turned on. The device can be an iPhone, iPad or Mac and you\u2019ll now whether you\u2019re on the latest version because you\u2019ll be offered an update if there\u2019s a more recent one available. <\/p>\n Connect the AirPods to the device and make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi. Connect the charging case to power.<\/p>\n Put the earbuds in the charging case if they\u2019re not there already and close the lid. Make sure the case is within Bluetooth range of the device. <\/p>\n Apple then recommends waiting at least 30 minutes for the update to take place \u2014 for me the update happened in less than 20 minutes, for reference. To be precise, the earbuds updated in that time, while the charging case took another 15 minutes. So, Apple\u2019s suggestion of 30 minutes plus seems spot-on. <\/p>\n After that time, open the lid of the case so the AirPods reconnect to your iPhone, iPad or Mac, at which point Apple recommends checking the firmware version again. If it\u2019s still on 8B39 for AirPods Pro 2 or 8B40 for AirPods Pro 3, the update hasn\u2019t taken place. <\/p>\n How To Check Your AirPods Firmware Build Number<\/p>\n On the iPhone, for instance, this is done by opening Settings where you\u2019ll see the AirPods listed on the first page. If they\u2019re not, they\u2019re not connected. Tap the AirPods listing and scroll right to the end of the page that opens. Under About you\u2019ll see the version listed. You\u2019re looking for 8B41, the latest version number. That\u2019ll be the same on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe charging case (USB-C) and AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe charging case (Lightning).<\/p>\n Note that AirPods 3 Pro were previously on 8B40, while AirPods Pro 2 have updated from 8B39, so both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are now on the same firmware build for the first time in months. <\/p>\n Beats Studio Buds Firmware Update<\/p>\n