Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday August 19, 2025 11:25 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today provided developers with updated beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, allowing them to test the new AirPods features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware is only available to developers at the current time, and a device running ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, or macOS 26 is required to install the update. The firmware has a build number of 8A5343a, up from 8A5324b.

airpods pro 2 green
The firmware adds several features that Apple is debuting alongside ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌.

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There's also an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording.

With ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates the beta testing.

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Top Rated Comments

MacMan988

16 months ago

At Apple, we believe that progress is not measured in miles, but in decimals.
And today… with the release of the new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4… we have once again redefined what it means to listen.

This is not just an update. It is a rebirth of sound.
A microscopic reengineering of ones and zeros… transforming every note, every voice, every silence… into an experience so immersive, it feels less like firmware… and more like destiny.

We spent years rethinking… the invisible.
Tuning algorithms at the atomic level. Sculpting waveforms with the precision of a watchmaker.
The result? A firmware so advanced, it makes yesterday’s firmware feel… primitive.

The first time I experienced it… I closed my eyes.
And when I opened them, I realized… I was crying.

This is not just AirPods. This is AirPods… evolved.
With every update, we aren’t simply improving. We are… innovating. Again.

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Kar98

16 months ago

iPhone 25e here

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

erihp

16 months ago

At Apple, we believe that progress is not measured in miles, but in decimals.
And today… with the release of the new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4… we have once again redefined what it means to listen.

This is not just an update. It is a rebirth of sound.
A microscopic reengineering of ones and zeros… transforming every note, every voice, every silence… into an experience so immersive, it feels less like firmware… and more like destiny.

We spent years rethinking… the invisible.
Tuning algorithms at the atomic level. Sculpting waveforms with the precision of a watchmaker.
The result? A firmware so advanced, it makes yesterday’s firmware feel… primitive.

The first time I experienced it… I closed my eyes.
And when I opened them, I realized… I was crying.

This is not just AirPods. This is AirPods… evolved.
With every update, we aren’t simply improving. We are… innovating. Again.

liked your post (great job mimicking the marketing talk!)

... but i gotta say, i dont know of too many other wireless earbuds that get firmware updates to enhance their capabilities and add features.

whether those updates or features are valuable (to you) is another thing.

im ok with it

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

robfoll

16 months ago

It is beyond baffling that the enabling beta options for the AirPods doesn’t show up anywhere on my phone. I’m on OS26 for every single other Apple device but them. So annoying.

You need to have the AirPods connected to your phone. And then you can access all of this either under Bluetooth settings or a new AirPods pane that pops up in Preferences. Then, right at the bottom of the whole AirPods screen, you'll find the beta options.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Unregistered 4U

16 months ago

Apple added a beta firmware update installation option ('https://developer.apple.com/support/install-beta/#airpods-beta').

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Mousse

16 months ago

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos.

How much salt should I take this with? I find this claim on par with a phone camera taking medium format quality photos. I guess if you interview in a rigidly controlled environment.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

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