From time to time, Apple will release minor software updates for its accessories. In most cases, this isn’t meant to welcome a whole host of new features to the mix. Sometimes it does add new elements, though. Unfortunately, for the latest updates for Apple’s truly wireless headphones, there doesn’t appear to be any of that.
Now, it’s par for the course for Apple to keep what, exactly, is new in these minor firmware updates close to the vest. Meaning, the company doesn’t typically go out of its way to detail what’s new. That’s the case for the latest firmware updates for both the AirPods Pro and the bran new AirPods 3.
With the new firmware versions, this brings AirPods Pro to firmware version 4A402, up from the previous firmware version 4A400 — which the company released back in October of this year. Meanwhile, AirPods 3 see the firmware version bump up to 4B66, up from the previous firmware version 4B61.
As far as upgrading the firmware version of the AirPods and AirPods Pro is concerned, there’s no specific way to do this. The truly wireless headphones will handle the process automatically when they are connected to the iPhone, and the new firmware is available. However, if you want to try and force the update you can put the AirPods/Pro in the charging case, connect the case to a charging source (wireless or wired), and then pair the truly wireless headphones to your iPhone or iPad. That should kickstart the firmware update process.
Resource: How to find your AirPods firmware version
You can check your AirPods/Pro firmware version at any time, though. Simply connect your truly wireless headphones, then open Settings –> Bluetooth –> “i” next to your AirPods and then read the number next to “Version”.
If anything changes here, like any major forward facing features being discovered, we will update this post accordingly.