Apple Releases New '3C39' AirPods Max Firmware

Apple today released new 3C39 firmware designed for the AirPods Max, marking the second firmware update the high-end over-ear headphones have received since their December launch.

AirPods Max Firmware Update Blue
The new 3C39 firmware replaces the 3C16 launch firmware that was available the day the ‌AirPods Max‌ launched.

Apple does not provide details on what's included in new firmware updates, so we don't know what bug fixes or improvements the new firmware might offer. There have been reports of battery life issues with the ‌AirPods Max‌, so it's possible that the firmware update addresses that problem.

There's no standard way to upgrade firmware on AirPods, AirPods Pro, or ‌AirPods Max‌, but connecting the ‌AirPods Max‌ to an iPhone or an iPad while connected to a power source may force the update.

You can check the firmware on your ‌AirPods Max‌ by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌AirPods Max‌‌ to your iOS device.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap About.
  • Tap ‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌.
  • Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

In the past, updates for the ‌AirPods Pro‌ and AirPods have included performance improvements, bug fixes, and feature tweaks, so if we find notable changes after installing the firmware updates, we'll update this article.

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

Popular Stories

iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone

Wednesday February 5, 2025 7:15 am PST by
iOS 18.3 was released last month, so the first iOS 18.4 beta should be coming soon. iOS 18.4 is expected to be a more substantial update for the iPhone, with several new features and changes related to Apple Intelligence and beyond. Apple's website suggests that iOS 18.4 will be released in April, following beta testing. Below, we outline what to expect from the update so far. Apple...
iCloud General Feature Redux

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive an All-New Perk

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:21 am PST by
If you pay for iCloud storage on your iPhone, Apple has a new perk for you, at no additional cost. iCloud+ is the official name for Apple's paid iCloud storage plans, which range from 50GB for $0.99 per month to 12TB for $59.99 per month in the United States. iCloud+ plans already come with multiple perks for free, such as Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video, and now there is another one...
iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb

iPhone SE 4 Launching as Soon as Next Week

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:30 pm PST by
Apple's next-generation iPhone SE could debut as soon as next week with a launch to follow later in February, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple isn't expected to hold an event for the iPhone SE 4, and will instead unveil the device through a press release. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have an iPhone 14-style design, with Apple eliminating the thick bezels and Touch ID Home button of...
iOS 18

iOS 18.3.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones

Thursday February 6, 2025 7:31 am PST by
Apple is internally testing iOS 18.3.1 for iPhones, according to our website's analytics logs, which have been a consistently reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. The software update should be released within the next few weeks. iOS 18.3.1 should be a minor update that addresses software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. Apple Intelligence notification summaries for news and...
maxresdefault

An Apple TV Refresh is Coming in 2025 - Here's What You Should Know

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:17 am PST by
Apple hasn't refreshed the Apple TV since 2022, but rumors suggest that we're finally going to get an update in 2025. We don't have a full picture of what to expect yet, but we have some hints on what's coming. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Updated A-Series Chip The current Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and it's time for...
iCloud General Feature Redux

Apple Ordered by UK to Create Global iCloud Encryption Backdoor

Friday February 7, 2025 2:37 am PST by
The British government has secretly demanded that Apple give it blanket access to all encrypted user content uploaded to the cloud, reports The Washington Post. The undisclosed order is said to have been issued last month, and requires that Apple creates a back door that allows UK security officials unencumbered access to encrypted user data worldwide – an unprecedented demand not before...
Apple Leak Feature

Apple Leaker Issues Apology: 'Profound and Expensive Mistake'

Friday February 7, 2025 9:21 am PST by
Last year, we reported that Apple sued its former software engineer Andrew Aude for providing journalists with confidential information about the company's future plans, including details about the Journal app, Vision Pro headset, and more. As reported by 9to5Mac, the Superior Court of Santa Clara County on Thursday dismissed the lawsuit after Apple and Aude reached an agreement to resolve...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

iPhone Driver's Licenses to Expand to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:27 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Below, we outline which U.S. states and territories offer the feature, and additional states that have committed to rolling it out in...

Top Rated Comments

EPO75 Avatar
51 months ago
Safari is much smoother now
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iGeneo Avatar
51 months ago

If it doesn't add a button combo to completely turn the headphones off, they can keep their crappy headphones. Imagine being a green company and not allowing people to turn off your headphones, which results in them wasting tons of battery life when not in use. Come on, Apple. Be smarter.
Is that a problem with yours or are you complaining about a product you don’t even own?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NT1440 Avatar
51 months ago

If it doesn't add a button combo to completely turn the headphones off, they can keep their crappy headphones. Imagine being a green company and not allowing people to turn off your headphones, which results in them wasting tons of battery life when not in use. Come on, Apple. Be smarter.
Replace one 100w bulb in your or a loved one’s home. Congrats, you just saved more energy than this “feature” will ever save.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mthomas184 Avatar
51 months ago

Is this comment useful at all?
Are the majority of the comments on these threads useful at all?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Deliro Avatar
51 months ago
Hopefully this addresses the battery drain that I and so other people have experienced.

I’ll report back after a few days.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Herrpod Avatar
51 months ago

Replace one 100w bulb in your or a loved one’s home. Congrats, you just saved more energy than this “feature” will ever save.
BS. What the hell is with people making excuses for stupid design decisions by Apple?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)