Keeping the firmware of your valued AirPods up to date , whether they ’re the latestfourth - generation wireless earbuds , Apple’sflagship AirPods Pro 2 , or the fancy over - earAirPods Max , is always a good idea . Firmware updates can repair bugs and , more importantly , unlock cool young characteristic – like thehead gesturesthat were introduce on the AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18 , or theOTC hearing aid capabilitythat was added with iOS 18.1 .

Ensuring your devices have the latest firmware is almost always a undecomposed matter , though sometimes these updates bring undesirable change . One peculiar update causedreduced ANC performancefor some AirPods Pro owners , so we ’ll not only explicate how to revise your AirPods , AirPods Pro , and AirPods Max , but we ’ll also show you how to see which firmware version your gadget is using , in case you need to trouble-shoot a similar problem .

Before you begin , it ’s a proficient theme to control your gimmick ’s current microcode version . Because AirPods are designed to update themselves automatically , it ’s possible you ’re already running the late variation . Go tothis Apple support pageto see the latest firmware variation for AirPods , AirPods Pro , and AirPods Max , then watch over the instruction below to check which version your twist is running .

How to check your AirPods’ firmware version on an iPhone or iPad

Step 1 : To confirm whether your AirPods are running the later microcode , first verify your speech sound is function the most late version of iOS .

dance step 2 : Next , go toSettings > General > About . You ’ll credibly want to scroll way down to see it , but you should see AirPods Pro , AirPods , or AirPods Max in the list . If your iPhone is n’t up to engagement or your headphones are n’t connected to your phone at the present moment , you may not even see this setting , peculiarly if you have AirPods Pro .

Step 3 : wiretap the AirPods you ’re curious about to see their current microcode version . Compare against Apple ’s list of thelatest AirPods firmware versionsto see if yours are up to date .

How to check your AirPods’ firmware version on a Mac

Step 1 : To jibe if your AirPods are start the latest firmware , first make certain your Mac is running the most late reading of MacOS .

Step 2 : Choose Apple menu , thenSystem options , clickBluetooth , then click theInfobutton next to the name of your AirPods . The firmware reading , along with other information , will be displayed . Compare against Apple ’s listing of thelatest AirPods microcode versionsto see if yours are up to date .

How to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware

For most users , firmware updates will happen mechanically , without any intervention on your part . And while it ’s still not possible to manually revise your AirPods and AirPods Pro , here ’s Apple ’s steering for ensuring that the robotlike process works swimmingly :

footmark 1 : Make certain that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone , iPad , or Mac that ’s connected to Wi - Fi .

dance step 2 : Put your AirPods in their charging character and fill up the lid .

stone’s throw 3 : Connect the case to a power source , whether that be the old Lightning cable , the new USB - C charger , or a MagSafe charger .

Step 4 : Keep the lid of the charging pillow slip closed , and hold off at least 30 minutes for the microcode to update .

Step 5 : spread the palpebra of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone , iPad , or Mac .

Step 6 : Check the firmware version again .

If the version expose is still not the most recent version on Apple ’s tilt , readjust your AirPods , then seek to refresh your firmware again .

How to update your AirPods Max’s firmware

Similar to the AirPods and AirPods Pro , there ’s really no path to force an update for the AirPods Max —   it just happens automatically . you could judge to start the update manually like this :

stair 1 : check that that your AirPods Max are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone , iPad , or Mac that ’s connected to Wi - Fi .

footstep 2 : secure the charging cable system ( lightning or USB - C ) into the bottom - right earcup , then stop up the other end of the cable into a USB battery charger or port .

footstep 3 : Wait at least 30 minutes for the microcode to update .

Step 4 : Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone , iPad , or Mac .

gradation 5 : see the firmware version again .

If the version displayed is still not the most recent version on Apple ’s list , reset your AirPods Max , then endeavor to revise your firmware again .