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How to update Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max

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Keeping the firmware of your precious AirPods up to date, whether they're the latest third-generation wireless earbuds, Apple's flagship AirPods Pro 2, or the fanciest over-ear AirPods Max, is always a good idea. Firmware updates can fix bugs and, more importantly, unlock cool new features.

Having the latest firmware will ensure you don't miss out on new features. Spatial Audio, for example, was first made available on the expensive AirPods Max, but many AirPods Pro owners didn’t realize that a firmware update added the sound feature to their earbuds without having to spend big bucks on new pair of Max's. A firmware update is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. Here's how to update your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • A pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max

  • An iOS device, such as iPhone or iPad

How to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware

To take advantage of the latest features your AirPods are capable of, you need to make sure the firmware on your pods is updated. The good news is that for most users, this firmware update will happen automatically, without any intervention on your part, but frustratingly, it’s not really possible to manually update your AirPods and AirPods Pro. Here’s all you have to do:

Step 1: Put your AirPods or AirPods Pro earbuds into their charging case — make sure they’re sufficiently charged, preferably full.

Step 2: Connect the case to a power source, such as a Lightning cable, or if you have a Wireless Charging Case, put the case on a charging platform or MagSafe charger.

Related

Step 3: Place your iPhone or iPad that the AirPods are paired with close to the case.

That’s it. If there’s a firmware update available, just wait a little while, and it will be installed automatically. If it doesn’t work, try resetting the AirPods and try again.

The Apple AirPods Max on a surface, viewed from the side.
Riley Young / Digital Trends

How to update your AirPods Max's firmware

Similar to the AirPods and AirPods Pro, there's really no way to force an update for the AirPods Max — it just happens automatically. You can try to initiate the update manually like this, though:

Step 1: Make sure your AirPods Max are paired to your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Put your AirPods Max into its Smart Case and connect them to a power source. Now all you have to do is wait — give it several minutes before taking them out of the charger; you don't want to accidentally interrupt the update while it's in progress.

Step 3: Lastly, using the steps below, check if the update was successful.

How to check your AirPods’ firmware version

Step 1: To check if your AirPods or AirPods Pro are running the latest firmware, first make sure your phone is running the most recent version of iOS (iOS 16.5 as of May 18, 2023).

Note: iOS 17 is in beta mode and will be released in September 2023. Here's everything we're excited about with Apple's new mobile operating system.

Step 2: Next, go to Settings > General > About. You’ll probably need to scroll way down to see it, but you should see AirPods Pro, AirPods, or AirPods Max in the list. If your iPhone isn’t up to date or your headphones aren’t connected to your phone at the moment, you may not even see this setting, particularly if you have AirPods Pro.

Step 3: Tap them, and if the firmware version shows 5E135 (as of June, 2023), you have the latest update for AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 1 and 2. That’s it; you’re all set. If not, follow the instructions above.

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Erin Lawrence
Erin Lawrence
Erin has over 20 years of experience as a journalist in the media and news industries, with time both on camera and behind…
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