Apple Releases Beta Firmware Update for AirPods - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Releases Beta Firmware Update for AirPods

Following today's keynote event, Apple has released a beta firmware update that is limited to developers, with the software adding some of the new features that were announced on stage.

airpods pro 2 purple
There's a new Adaptive Audio feature for the AirPods that combines Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to dynamically match the conditions of the environment that you're in.

You can stay present in your environment while distracting noises are reduced, listening to music without missing what's going on around you. When someone is nearby, a conversation awareness option will lower the sound of the music and focus on voices, while also cutting out background noise.

The Adaptive Audio and conversation functions also work on calls to make it easier for you to hear the person you're speaking with while you're out and about.

Apple is also improving automatic switching across the Apple ecosystem, so you can swap between devices more quickly than before.

The new firmware is limited to developers at the current time.

Related Roundup: AirPods 5
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:28 am PDT by
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5043a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday November 3, 2026 11:29 am PST by
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5045a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
airpods 5 india

Apple Launches Special Edition AirPods 5 in India

Monday October 12, 2026 3:28 am PDT by
Apple is marking India's festive diwali season with a limited edition of the AirPods 5, featuring a rangoli-inspired engraving. The case's design draws on the traditional Indian art form, arranging a decorative pattern around a heart-eyes emoji. The earbuds cost ₹17,900 (approximately $187), matching the Indian price of the regular AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. The celebrations ...

Top Rated Comments

45 months ago
As someone with autism who uses AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and Max to listen to music and to control/suppress environmental audio stimulation, the new AirPods adaptive audio feature was quite possibly my favourite announcement of the day. Sure, the new macs and Visio pro will get all of the column inches (and rightfully so), but adaptive audio and improved device switching will improve my day to day work & home life the most.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
45 months ago

I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
Mine haven't been plugged into lightning cable since purchasing them. I only ever charge wirelessly.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
45 months ago

Do you think Adaptive Audio can be used always-on?
Yes for sure, its really convenient
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iPode Avatar
45 months ago

I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
I don't mind charging via lightning at all, the charging speed is good enough for me.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
45 months ago
I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
45 months ago
You need to connect to Xcode 15 beta first. https://9to5mac.com/2022/06/23/beta-airpods-firmware-install/
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
2 hours ago
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
12 hours ago
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
14 hours ago
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
1 day ago
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
1 day ago
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
2 days ago
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
2 days ago
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
2 days ago
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
2 days ago
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
2 days ago
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
3 days ago
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
3 days ago
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
3 days ago
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
3 days ago
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
3 days ago
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
3 days ago
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
3 days ago
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
3 days ago
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
3 days ago
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
3 days ago
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
3 days ago
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
3 days ago
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
3 days ago
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
3 days ago
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
3 days ago
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
3 days ago
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
3 days ago
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
3 days ago
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
3 days ago
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
3 days ago