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Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Features

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3. The firmware is limited to developers at the current time, and it has a build number of 9A5292e.

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2
In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface and support for custom EQ. AirPods are also compatible with the new Siri AI.

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 beta testing.

Developers can use the beta option to turn on beta downloads.

Related Forums: AirPods, iOS 27

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Top Rated Comments

furbzv1 Avatar
14 weeks ago
hoping that one day, we could just start the update whenever we want and not have to hope it gets installed
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rlewisphilly Avatar
14 weeks ago
I did notice a change in sound quality after installing iOS27. (AirPod Pro3) The weird thing. Music sounds great, but podcasts sound hollow. Maybe with the firmware, I can correct it. An idea for Apple: allow different EQ settings for different apps and have the system remember them. Give me a different setting for just voice (ie: Podcasts) and a different fine tuning for music.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DaveMcM76 Avatar
14 weeks ago

So far only the case firmware updated.
I’m the opposite on my Pro 2s - AirPods updated really quickly but not the case so far.

Attachment Image
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
14 weeks ago
Been wanting the eq for a long time. As a vintage stereo collector and many hours listening thru headphones I always love an eq option. Was a huge collector of bob carver amps and sound craftsmen amps. Still have them
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Parowdy Avatar
14 weeks ago

Better the AirPods themselves than the case. You can hopefully experience sound improvement. The case firmware is meaningless.

Checked after posting this. Both updated finally.
I’ve made a thread ('https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/airpods-custom-eq-as-expected.2483759/?post=34632689#post-34632689') about the custom EQ, and it doesn’t really do that much to even properly adjust the sound. But putting all 3 sliders on max actually boosts clarity, so that’s that.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stuipdboy1000 Avatar
14 weeks ago

I hope this applies to the Max 2 as well.

Would also still like a "check for updates" feature 💀
A beta update may come but not in beta 1. From the release notes on Apple's developer site:

"You cannot update AirPods Max 2 firmware beta in iOS 27 Beta 1 and macOS 27 Beta 1. AirPods Max 2 firmware beta updates are supported in iOS 27 Beta 2 and macOS 27 Beta 2. (178280323)"
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)