AirPods firmware update available for almost all models

On By Yukito

Ahead of the release of new hearing aid features for AirPods Pro 2 on Monday, Apple released a new firmware update for AirPods 2, 3, Pro 1 and Max with Lightning port. It’s unclear at this time what’s new in this build. However, it is probably about improving stability.

That said, all of these AirPods except the original model, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max with USB-C, jump from version 6A326 to 6F21.

Here is the latest firmware available for each AirPods model:

  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charger (USB-C): 7A305
  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charger (Lightning): 7A305
  • AirPods Pro (1st generation): 6F21
  • AirPods (4th generation): 7A304
  • AirPods (3rd generation): 6F21
  • AirPods (2nd generation): 6F21
  • AirPods Max (Lightning): 6F21
  • AirPods Max (USB-C): 7A291
  • AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8

How to update AirPods firmware

AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C port. Image credit: Christian de Looper for BGR Image credit: Christian de Looper for BGR

There is no official method to update the firmware of AirPods. Since Apple says the new versions install when you connect your AirPods to your iPhone via Bluetooth, your best option is to charge both devices simultaneously for at least 30 minutes.

To check the firmware version of your AirPods, open the Settings app, open the Bluetooth menu, find your AirPods or Beats earbuds and tap the “i” next to them to see the current version number.

If this process doesn’t work, you’ll have to wait for them to update themselves, as Apple doesn’t allow you to manually install these software updates.

Interestingly, a few days ago, Apple accidentally released the beta version of the AirPods Pro 2 software to all users. Despite this, the hearing aid features are only available to users in the US and Canada running iOS 18.1.

If we discover anything new in this version, we will update this article.