in this guide regularly updating the Firmware on Your AirPods, you will be able to enjoy quality sound to the maximum, good and stable communication with your devices, longer battery life and access to new features that Apple adds gradually and silently. Since there is no manual “Update Now” button for AirPods, it is crucial to know how the updates operate and how you can initiate one if needed.
This article serves as a go-between with Apple and users of AirPods, explaining how AirPods firmware updates work, how to update each model, check firmware version and troubleshoot problems.
Why AirPods Firmware Updates Matter
Changes to AirPods firmware usually bring upgrades such as:
- Better audio quality and noise canceling
- New features like Spatial Audio, Sleep Detection, and Adaptive Noise Control
- Stable connection to iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Battery life improvement and charging safety feature
- Bug fixes that remove dropouts, pairing problems, or microphone issues
Their regular updating guarantees that all functions will operate as intended—particularly after the release of major iOS, iPadOS, or macOS versions.
How Firmware on Your AirPods Updates Work
AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max have a mechanism that enables them to be updated automatically via over-the-air (OTA) firmware release without the need for any user intervention. Apple does not send a notification or provide any visible downloading progress; hence, the updates are done incognito.
Automatic Update Conditions
Automatically installation of a firmware update is possible only when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
- AirPods are in their case (or connected via cable for AirPods Max)
- The paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac is close to AirPods
- The case or headphones have enough battery
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on the paired device
The time interval needed to complete these updates is usually a few minutes from the moment the process is initiated.
How to Manually Force an AirPods Firmware Update
If AirPods do not update automatically, forcing the update will help reestablish the update process with Apple’s update servers.
Step-by-Step Manual Update Method (AirPods & AirPods Pro)
- Put the AirPods in the charging case.Close the lid.
- Power the charging case with a cable– Lightning or USB-C– Or a wireless charger if it is certified
- Is the iPhone/iPad/Mac that is paired with the AirPods suitable for the update? Connected to Wi-Fi Battery over 50% Bluetooth On Low Power Mode Off
- Connected to Wi-Fi
- Battery over 50%
- Bluetooth On
- Low Power Mode Off
- Keep the AirPods and the device together The best would be if they are within 20–30 cm.
- Wait for at least 10 minutes If there is an update, it gets installed quietly.
How to Update AirPods Max Firmware
The AirPods Max update is a bit different as they do not have a charging case.
Update Procedure
- Use a USB-C or Lightning cable to charge the AirPods Max.
- Make sure the iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is paired is charged more than 50%.
- Do not turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the device that you use with the AirPods Max.
- After that, for half an hour, keep the AirPods Max either with the device or on the charging port.
The update will be done by the system automatically when all the conditions are met.
How to Check Your AirPods Firmware Version
Once the update was attempted, the first thing you should do is to verify that the firmware is changed.
Check firmware version on iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings → Bluetooth
- Find your AirPods in the list and tap the (i) information icon
- Scroll down to About → Version
- Check the firmware version that is currently installed
How to Check Firmware Version on a Mac
- Click on the Apple menu → System Settings
- Click on Bluetooth
- Locate your AirPods in the list
- Click the (i) icon next to the device
- Look at the Version field
Current AirPods Firmware Versions
Apple keeps on updating its firmware for all models of AirPods. These are the most recent version numbers that we know of:
| AirPods Model | Latest Firmware Version |
|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (3rd generation) | 8B25 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) – Lightning & USB-C | 8B21 |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | 6F21 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | 8B21 |
| AirPods 4 (non-ANC) | 8B21 |
| AirPods (2nd & 3rd generation) | 6F21 |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) | 7E108 |
| AirPods Max (Lightning) | 6F25 |
| AirPods (1st generation) | 6.8.8 |
By checking these versions, you allow your AirPods to be upgraded to the latest features, among which are:
- Improved Spatial Audio accuracy
- Sleep Detection for automatically pausing the audio
- Charging Reminders for a low battery in the case
- Studio-quality voice recording upgrades
- Call audio optimization and noise isolation improvements
- Connectivity stability across Apple ecosystem devices
Troubleshooting AirPods That Won’t Update
When your AirPods are not updating after multiple attempts, try these fixes:
1. Restart the Paired Device
Turning off and on the device will terminate the wireless connections and will reset the services that communicate with the AirPods.
2. Reset AirPods
- Keep the setup button pressed until the LED indicator changes color from amber to white.
- Once again, pair the devices and proceed with the update.
3. Disable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode limits the number of processes running in the background which also includes firmware updates.
4. Forget Device and Re-Pair
Open Bluetooth → (i) → Forget This Device, then establish the connection again.
5. Ensure Strong Wi-Fi
Don’t use captive portals, VPNs, or unstable networks.
6. Update iOS/iPadOS/macOS
Firmware for new AirPods is usually compatible only with the latest versions of the OS.
Final Thoughts
Updating AirPods firmware is a must if you want to get the best of the device, full access to features, and long-term stability. Even though the firmware updates are done in the background and silently, having knowledge about how they happen and how you can do it manually will let you know which model is capable of performing at its highest potential. Keeping firmware up to date is what makes you the recipient of Apple’s latest innovations in audio technology, connectivity, and smart device behavior.
To be sure you will always get the best performance out of your AirPods and have the utmost experience, check for the latest firmware on your gadget and come back to this tutorial whenever Apple drops a new update.