Apple has quietly pushed out a wave of firmware updates for its AirPods and Beats product lines, bringing both quality-of-life improvements and a few standout new features for power users and audiophiles alike. While these updates typically install in the background without much fanfare, they can have a significant impact on connectivity, sound quality, device longevity, and even health tracking.
Here’s a full breakdown of the latest firmware versions, new capabilities, and what users should know to stay updated.
AirPods Firmware Updates
AirPods Pro 2 & AirPods (4th Generation)
- Firmware Version: 7E93 (March 2025)
- Key Changes:
- Improved Automatic Switching for smoother transitions between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Enhanced “press-to-mute” feature during phone and FaceTime calls
- General performance tweaks aimed at improving Bluetooth stability and battery accuracy
Notably, this version was the first released after Apple officially documented how users can force a firmware update—marking a step toward greater transparency after years of leaving users in the dark about update mechanics.
AirPods Max (USB-C Model)
- Firmware Version: 7E101
- Major Additions:
- Lossless Audio Support: Enables 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio when paired with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4 and connected via USB-C
- Ultra-Low Latency Mode: Ideal for real-time audio work like gaming, music production, and video syncing
- General audio optimizations and reduced latency over Bluetooth for non-lossless use cases
Apple continues to push the AirPods Max toward a more “pro” tier of audio gear, offering features typically found in studio-level equipment.
Hearing Health Firmware
- Applicable to: AirPods Pro 2
- Firmware Version: 7B19
- New Health Features:
- Hearing Test: Uses in-ear tones to assess a user’s hearing profile
- Hearing Aid Mode: Amplifies ambient sound for those with mild-to-moderate hearing impairment
- Hearing Protection Monitoring: Tracks long-term exposure to loud audio and alerts users when thresholds are exceeded
These tools align with Apple’s broader initiative to turn AirPods into wearable health devices, much like the Apple Watch has become for heart and fitness tracking.
Beats Firmware Updates
Powerbeats Pro 2
- Firmware Version: 7B30
- Changes:
- Bluetooth connectivity fixes
- Better battery reporting in iOS and Android settings
- Improved microphone clarity during calls
While Beats updates usually lag slightly behind AirPods in feature adoption, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are keeping pace with audio stability improvements and ecosystem integration.
Beats Studio Pro
- Firmware Version: 2C301
- New Feature: Audio Sharing now supported — share music or videos with another set of AirPods or Beats, directly from your device.
This update closes a key functionality gap between AirPods and Beats, aligning more of Apple’s audio lineup with the real-time shared listening experience that has become a fan favorite on iOS.
Beats Solo Buds
- Firmware Version: 3A130
- First Update Highlights:
- Bug fixes for pairing hiccups reported with Android and iOS
- Minor latency optimizations for video watching and gaming apps
Security Alert: Bluetooth Spoofing Vulnerability Patched
Apple has addressed a critical Bluetooth flaw (CVE-2024-27867) across both AirPods and Beats firmware. The vulnerability allowed malicious actors within range to potentially spoof a previously connected device and access audio streams without permission.
All firmware versions released since March 2025 include a patch for this issue, making it essential that users ensure their devices are running the latest updates.
How to Check or Update Firmware
For AirPods:
- Connect AirPods to your iPhone
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods
- Scroll to find the firmware version
For Beats:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Tap the info (“i”) icon beside your Beats device
- Scroll to see firmware version and other device details
Unfortunately, users still can’t manually trigger an update, but placing the device in its charging case and ensuring it’s near a paired iOS device usually prompts background installation.
Apple continues to evolve its AirPods and Beats lineup not just with new hardware, but with increasingly sophisticated software that enhances everything from sound quality to health tracking and ecosystem connectivity. Whether you’re a casual listener or a tech-savvy audiophile, these updates make a real difference—especially as Apple lays the groundwork for what’s expected to be a major audio refresh in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods and Beats receive automatic firmware updates that improve performance and add new features.
- Users can now follow Apple’s official instructions to manually check and install firmware updates.
- The latest updates bring call controls and better device switching to compatible AirPods models.
Overview of Latest Firmware Enhancements
Apple has rolled out significant firmware updates across its AirPods and Beats lineup, bringing performance improvements and expanded device compatibility. These updates address key user concerns while adding new functionality to enhance the listening experience.
Improvements and Features in the New Firmware Version
AirPods Max received the most recent update with firmware version 6F25, replacing the previous 6F21 version. This update focuses on connectivity improvements and battery management enhancements that extend usage time between charges.
For AirPods Pro 2 users, the firmware update introduces better noise cancellation in windy environments. The update also fixes a common bug that caused occasional disconnections during phone calls.
AirPods Pro and standard AirPods models benefit from improved Bluetooth range and more stable connections when switching between Apple devices. Users have reported fewer audio cutouts when moving between rooms.
Apple has finally provided a manual update method for those who prefer not to wait for automatic updates. This option requires:
- AirPods connected to charging
- iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi enabled
- Latest iOS version installed
Compatibility With iOS and macOS Devices
The new firmware updates work seamlessly with iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 or newer. Users with older operating systems may not access all new features until they update their devices.
For optimal performance, Apple recommends the following device combinations:
- AirPods Pro 2 + iPhone 13 or newer
- AirPods Max + any Mac with Apple silicon
- Beats Fit Pro + iOS 18 or newer
The MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro also received firmware improvements that deliver faster charging and better battery health monitoring. This update applies automatically when the case is charging near a connected Apple device.
Beats products weren’t left behind, with PowerBeats Pro receiving stability enhancements and improved music synchronization during workouts. The update process for Beats follows the same method as AirPods.
Guidelines for Updating and Troubleshooting
Apple has recently streamlined the process for updating AirPods firmware and resolving common issues. Following these steps ensures your devices receive the latest improvements and maintain optimal performance.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Firmware Update Process
Unlike other Apple devices, AirPods update automatically in the background. However, you can follow specific steps to trigger the update process:
Check your current firmware version:
- Connect your AirPods to your iOS device
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods
- Look for the firmware version number
Prepare for the update:
- Ensure your AirPods have sufficient battery (at least 30%)
- Keep your AirPods in their charging case
- Connect the case to a power source using Lightning or USB-C
- Place the case near your iPhone or iPad
The update process typically takes about 30 minutes. During this time, keep the lid of the charging case closed with the AirPods inside. This allows the update to transfer from your iOS device to your AirPods.
Troubleshooting Common Issues Post-Update
If your AirPods aren’t updating or experience problems after an update, try these solutions:
Update failed to install:
- Wait at least 30 minutes with AirPods in the closed charging case
- Reconnect your AirPods to your device
- Check the firmware version again
Connection problems:
- Reset your AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button on the case for 15 seconds
- Forget the device in Bluetooth settings, then reconnect
Sound quality issues:
- Clean your AirPods carefully with a soft, dry cloth
- Check if ear tips (for Pro models) are properly attached
If problems persist, Apple’s support page offers detailed troubleshooting. The latest firmware updates typically include bug fixes and performance improvements that enhance sound quality and connection stability.
