Apple Releases New '3C39' AirPods Max Firmware - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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 2
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

sonos ace purple

Sonos Preparing AirPods Max Rival With Voice Assistant Support

Tuesday August 11, 2026 3:53 pm PDT by
Sonos is working on an upgraded version of its Ace headphones that will support AI, reports Bloomberg. The Sonos Ace Ultra showed up in an FCC filing earlier this week, with the product likely set to debut in September. Sonos debuted the original Sonos Ace in 2024. Reviews praised the sound quality and active noise cancellation, but the headphone market is crowded, and Sonos' product...
All Screen iPhone 2030 Feature Sans Text

iPhone 18 Pro: Nine Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 7, 2026 5:01 am PDT by
Apple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone. If you're thinking of...
iPhone 18 Pro Dark Cherry Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Reportedly Starts With 256GB of Storage

Thursday September 3, 2026 9:22 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro has double the base storage compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, there will apparently be no further increase this year. Taiwanese research firm TrendForce today again reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models will start with 256GB of storage, like the iPhone 17 Pro models. Minimum storage capacities by model:iPhone 16 Pro: 128GB iPhone 17 Pro: 256GB iPhone 18 Pro...

Top Rated Comments

72 months ago
Safari is much smoother now
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iGeneo Avatar
72 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
72 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
72 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
72 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
72 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)