Apple Updates AirPods Pro Firmware to Version 4A402 and AirPods 3 Firmware to 4B66

Apple today released a new 4A402 firmware update for the AirPods Pro, which is up from the prior 4A400 firmware that was released back in October. Apple has also updated the AirPods 3 firmware to 4B66, up from the 4B61 that was previously available.

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature
Apple does not offer information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.

There's no standard way to upgrade the ‌AirPods‌‌ software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the ‌‌AirPods‌‌ are connected to an iOS device. Putting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ in the case, connecting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to a power source, and then pairing the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

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

If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll share details, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
crossbody strap

iPhone 17's 'Crossbody Strap' Accessory to Feature Magnetic Design

Thursday August 28, 2025 7:49 am PDT by
Apple's cases for the iPhone 17 lineup will be accompanied by a new Crossbody Strap accessory with a unique magnetic design, according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu." Apple's Crossbody Strap reportedly features an unusual magnetic design; it likely has a "flexible metal core" that makes it magnetic along its entire length. At the ends, "rings polarized oppositely to the strap close the...
Awe Dropping Apple Event Feature

Five Things to Expect From Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 9 Event

Tuesday August 26, 2025 4:17 pm PDT by
Apple today announced its "Awe Dropping" iPhone-centric event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are a long list of products that are coming, but we thought we'd pull out five feature highlights to look forward to. That Super Thin iPhone - Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the first redesigned iPhone we've had in years, ...

Top Rated Comments

Itsedstech Avatar
50 months ago
update made my ANC even worse. I can still hear them calling my name at work
Score: 59 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xpxp2002 Avatar
50 months ago

I get so tired of ANC reports being worse with every update. These are in ear not over the ear. It’s never going to be like that.
If you heard the original firmware's ANC, you'd understand that the hardware is capable. It's just infuriating that they artificially hampered it.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
50 months ago
And it’ll take 3 weeks to roll out to everyone… maybe by then we’ll know what is fixed/added?
I think it’s bad practice to not publish release notes Apple!
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jermwhl Avatar
50 months ago
Hopefully improves the find my notifications. I get 2-3 notifications a week telling me I forgot my AirPods while they’re sitting in my pocket.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
reklex Avatar
50 months ago

update made my ANC even worse. I can still hear them calling my name at work
i'm WFH and I still can hear them calling me
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sigvard Avatar
50 months ago
Fact is that it performed too well and now it’s middle of the pack. Just go read the reviews at launch and you’ll see that it had fantastic ANC with the original FW. It was a pleasure walking out of the Apple Store when I got them as it muffled the world as I strolled around NYC. I was shocked at how well it performed on the subway, they were even better than my then class-leading Sony WF-1000XM3 with Comply tips.

I’m still not sure why they would neuter one of their better products like this.

And no, I’ll never get over this. lol.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)