Apple regularly enhances its AirPods lineup through firmware updates that are automatically installed in the background. For the first time, the company now provides detailed instructions on how to manually initiate a firmware update.
Detailed Instructions for Updating AirPods Firmware
Recently, Apple has updated its support page for AirPods to feature detailed step-by-step instructions (via MacRumors).
Follow these six steps to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro:
How to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware
- Ensure your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi.
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and securely close the lid.
- Connect the charging cable to your charging case, and plug the other end into a USB charger or port.
- Keep the charging case lid closed, and wait for at least 30 minutes to allow the firmware update.
- Open the charging case lid to reconnect your AirPods with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Check the firmware version again.
If you’re unable to update your firmware, Apple advises resetting your AirPods and trying the process again.
Additionally, there is a five-step guide specifically for AirPods Max users:
How to update your AirPods Max firmware
- Ensure your AirPods Max are within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.
- Connect the charging cable to the bottom-right earcup, then plug the other end into a USB charger or port.
- Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update process to complete.
- Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Check the firmware version once more.
Despite these new steps, the underlying process for firmware updates remains unchanged. They will continue to install automatically in the background for the majority of users. However, until now, this was the only formally recognized method available.
Now, you have the ability to manually initiate an update whenever a new firmware for AirPods is available.
How have you previously updated your AirPods firmware? Share your experiences in the comments.
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