How to Update AirPods Firmware: Everything You Need to Know

There is no direct way to update your AirPods firmware. When Apple updates the AirPods software – as it did for several models on Tuesday – it does so automatically in the background. However, there is a way to speed up the AirPods update process. Additionally, it’s a good idea to manually check that you’re using the latest version, which brings bug fixes and sometimes great new features.

Apple just released new firmware for almost all AirPods models and some Beats earbuds. The updates contain “bug fixes and other improvements,” according to Apple. Below you will find all current AirPods firmware versions, along with tips to get the AirPods update as soon as possible

Here’s how to check if your AirPods are running the latest firmware on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Plus what to do if it doesn’t, and how to force AirPods firmware to update.

Update AirPods firmware

Apple periodically releases new firmware with improvements and bug fixes. It’s definitely worth installing these updates, as they fix bugs and sometimes include important new features. For example, last fall’s 6A300/6A301 update added new features to the entire AirPod line. And when iOS 18 arrives this fall, AirPods will also get new features, like the ability to answer calls by nodding your head.

Apple usually doesn’t bother announcing AirPods updates. However, the company recently started publishing release notes so users know what has changed. Firmware updates occur automatically when your AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi.

Table of Contents: How to Update AirPods Firmware

What is the latest AirPods firmware?

• AirPods (3rd generation): 6A326
• AirPods (2nd generation): 6A326
• AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8

What is the latest AirPods Pro firmware?

• AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe charging case (USB-C): 6F8
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe charging case (Lightning): 6F8
• AirPods Pro (1st generation): 6A326

And what is the latest AirPods Max firmware?

Apple introduced the previous firmware version 6F7 for AirPods Pro 2 in May 2024. It replaced 6B34 in December 2023, which replaced 6B32 from November of that year. As mentioned, the release notes for the new 6F8 version simply say that it offers “bug fixes and other improvements.” Regular AirPods (second and third generations) are moving to firmware version 6A326, after jumping to 6A321 in January.

How to check your current firmware version on iPhone or iPad

It’s quite easy to quickly check if your AirPods are up to date in iOS and iPadOS.

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad

Connect your AirPods to your device by opening the case, or put them in your ears.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Start by establishing an active connection with your AirPods by opening the charging case lid. Or put on the earplugs, whichever you prefer.

2. Go to Settings

Open Settings and then select the name of your connected AirPods to see the current firmware version.
Screenshot: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Open the Institutions app on your iPhone or iPad. When connected, your AirPods should be at the top of the settings, just below your Apple ID settings. Tap the name of your AirPods and on the next screen, scroll almost to the bottom where you see it Versionwhich lists the current firmware number.

For many AirPods models, search for Version say 6A326. The same goes for the first generation of AirPods Pro. The latest AirPods Pro should read 6F8, and so forth. See the diagram above.

3. Or go to Settings -> Bluetooth

Open Settings, then Bluetooth, then select the information icon to see your AirPods firmware number.
Screenshot: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Another way to check the AirPods firmware is to visit Settings -> Bluetooth and look underneath My devices for the name of your AirPods. Tap the blue ⓘ icon: it’s a i with a circle around it next to the name. On the resulting page, search for Version. Again, the latest version for most AirPods is 6A326while the newer AirPods Pro are enabled 6F8. You can also view Apple’s list of current firmware versions.

How to force an update

You can hurry with an AirPods firmware update.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

If your AirPods firmware is not current, you can speed up the update process. Kind of. Unfortunately, you can’t press a button or change a setting to get your AirPods updated. The best thing you can do is place your AirPods in their case and connect the case to a power cable (Lightning or USB-C). The same goes for AirPods Max: just plug the headphones into a charging cable. Or if you have a wireless charging case, place your AirPods on a wireless charger.

Then make sure the iPhone or iPad they are paired with is nearby and wait. The firmware should be updated. Normally the process takes five to ten minutes, but it can take up to 30 minutes. Be patient!

There are theories on how to get a faster update, such as by connecting the AirPods case to a Mac, but none of these have ever been definitively proven to work faster. Realistically, this is only a problem for people who are concerned about checking for firmware updates and who want the latest as soon as they can get it. For everyone else, just keep using your AirPods. The update happens without you having to do anything.

How to check the current firmware version of AirPods on Mac

You can also check your AirPods firmware on a Mac. Your Mac must be running macOS Ventura or later.

1. Go to System Settings

Open System Settings under the Apple menu.
Screenshot: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Click on the Apple menu icon in the top left corner of your Mac’s screen and select System settings.

2. Select Bluetooth

Select Bluetooth and then the name of your connected AirPods
Screenshot: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Then find your AirPods in the My devices list and select the blue ⓘ icon (an i with a circle around it next to the name). Make sure your AirPods are connected to your Mac. It should say Connected. (If not, open the lid of the AirPods case, or select Connect next to the earbuds’ device name.)

3. Check the firmware version

Check the firmware version.
Screenshot: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

After clicking on your AirPods, a popup will appear with information about the AirPods, including the firmware number next to it. Version. Check against the firmware numbers listed above, or against Apple’s list of current AirPod firmware updates.

4. Force an update

If the firmware version is not up to date, place your AirPods in their case and connect them to a charging cable. You can plug the other end of the charging cable into your Mac. The firmware should update itself. Again, it usually takes five to ten minutes, but it can take longer. If your AirPods came with a wireless charging case, you can place them on a wireless charger.

Can you update AirPods firmware on Android or Windows?

Even though you can connect your AirPods to an Android device or a Windows computer, you cannot update the firmware on Android or Windows. You can only update AirPods firmware on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. There is currently no third-party software that can perform an AirPods firmware update.

More firmware update guides

Editor’s Note: We originally published this post on how to update AirPods firmware on November 14, 2019. We periodically refresh it with successive new AirPods firmware versions. Leander Kahney contributed to this post.