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Apple Releases First Firmware Update for Beats Studio Buds +

Apple today released new firmware for the Beats Studio Buds +, marking the first firmware update to the earbuds since their 2023 launch. The firmware has a build number of 2C318, up from 2A219.

beats studio buds plus 1
There is no word on what the new firmware includes in terms of features or bug fixes, and Apple does not provide release notes.

The Beats Studio Buds + are Apple's mid-range Beats earbuds, featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, microphones, battery life, and more. The earbuds come in several colors, including a unique transparent design that shows the internals.

As with most of the latest Beats models, the Studio Buds + do not include an Apple audio chip, and are instead equipped with acustom Beats chip that provides better feature parity between iOS and Android devices. The Beats chip supports one-touch pairing and setup, Find My integration, and Siri support, but automatic switching between devices is not available.

The firmware update for the Beats Studio + are delivered over-the-air. Firmware will be installed while the Beats headphones are charging and are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.

On Android devices, users will need to download the Beats app for Android and connect the Android device to a power outlet to initiate a firmware update.

Update: MacRumors can confirm that the firmware update added Audio Sharing support to the earbuds.

Tag: Beats

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Top Rated Comments

timborama Avatar
23 months ago

Can we go ahead and have a class action lawsuit for how terribly fragile the Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds were? They broke on me TWICE in a year and I used them for phone calls on my computer.
Wrong product. Take your complaints elsewhere.

Back to the topic at hand. Adding some iOS 18 support I’m guessing. I really like my Beats Studio buds +, over the AirPods Pro 2.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
23 months ago

Can we go ahead and have a class action lawsuit for how terribly fragile the Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds were? They broke on me TWICE in a year and I used them for phone calls on my computer.
Sir, this is a Wendy's.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
23 months ago



The Beats Studio Buds + are Apple's mid-range Beats earbuds, featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, microphones, battery life, and more.
Good to know they feature battery life.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
23 months ago

Wrong product. Take your complaints elsewhere.

Back to the topic at hand. Adding some iOS 18 support I’m guessing. I really like my Beats Studio buds +, over the AirPods Pro 2.
Given the price and regular discounts, I’m right there with you. I had the original AirPods from release date, and then the original AirPods Pro from release date. They were fine (although original AirPods didn’t fit me well). But cost performance was just not there for me. Especially given how quickly the battery life degrades. Instead of AirPods Pro 2 I got these beats, and I actually prefer over AirPods Pro. The sound is not as good when testing back to back, and it’s pretty obvious. But after a minute or two of listening, I can’t tell. The form factor is much better for me, and the relative value makes me feel happy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
23 months ago
“There is no word on what the new firmware includes in terms of features or bug fixes, and Apple does not provide release notes.”

I hate this kind of “trust me bro” updates.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gengar Avatar
23 months ago

Ah gotcha. Yeah the lack of wireless charging is a bit of a letdown for me because that's exclusively how I charge my AirPods case, although that's mainly because they still have a lightning connector and now all my devices except my watch can charge via USB-C so I just forego the cable charging method altogether.

What about how they fit in your ears? That's really the main reason I'm feeling tempted to look into other options because as good as the AirPods Pro sound, it drives me crazy how easily they come loose or fall out completely when doing the simplest things like smiling or eating. I've tried every size ear tip and even some third-party tips and still have the same problem. I think it's because of how they're weighed down by the stems.
They fit nicely in my ears with the default tips. I do have pretty normal shaped ears though, never had any issues with the fit of AirPods, AirPods (Gen 3), AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, or the Beats Studio Buds.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)