Learn how to check the current firmware version of your Apple headphones and find and view the official release notes for all AirPods software updates.
As you probably know, AirPods software updates are downloaded and installed without any intervention from you. So, instead of using the usual software update mechanism like your iPhone, AirPods updates happen automatically.
That’s why you can’t go to Settings → General → Software Update to manually apply the latest AirPods firmware or see what’s new, as is the case with iOS updates.
Starting with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.1 (released in October), more information is available in AirPods settings such as firmware versions and a link to the changelog.
Follow along to learn how to view AirPods firmware update release notes.
How to View AirPods Update Release Notes
You can view the detailed release notes for all AirPods firmware updates in the support document on the Apple website with a link available in your AirPods settings.
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Select “Bluetooth”from the root list.
- Tap the “ⓘ”next to connected AirPods.
- Tap “Version”under the “About”heading.
- Click the Apple support link on this screen.
This will open a support document on the Apple website that contains detailed information about all the changes, fixes, and features included in firmware updates for your AirPods. You can also view the release notes for older AirPods firmware updates in this document and see the latest firmware.
Current AirPods firmware
AirPods firmware versions as of September 13, 2022:
- AirPods Pro: 4E71
- AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation): 4E71
- AirPods Max: 4E71
- AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8
AirPods firmware is installed automatically.
How Automatic AirPods Updates Work
Apple specifies that firmware updates for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are delivered “periodically”(in stages, meaning not all customers will receive the latest firmware on the same day). Read: Tips for using AirPods Pro like a pro
Your AirPods must be in their charging case and within Bluetooth range of their paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac to install the update. “Because firmware updates are delivered automatically, you don’t need to update your AirPods,”Apple notes.