Apple launches beta firmware update for AirPods to improve stability

After WWDC in June, Apple provided developers with beta firmware for several AirPods models, including second-generation AirPods, third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Apple updated the firmware today, upgrading the version number from 5A5282d to 5A5304a.

The updated AirPods firmware is limited to developers, who can download the software from the More Downloads page of Apple’s developer site. Installing the beta version requires an iPhone running iOS 16 beta, a Mac running macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and supported AirPods.

Developers will need to pair the AirPods with the iPhone, connect the iPhone to the Mac computer with a Lightning cable, launch the Xcode 14 beta on the Mac computer, navigate to Settings → Developer, and then select Pre-release beta firmware in the AirPods testing section. With the pre-release beta option enabled, subsequent updates will be delivered wirelessly.

According to Apple, the beta firmware includes improvements to automatic switching, as well as bug and stability fixes. It will be installed on all AirPods once testing is complete and will likely be released this fall.