Apple Updates AirPods 3 Firmware to Version 4C170 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Updates AirPods 3 Firmware to Version 4C170

Apple today released a new 4C170 firmware update for the AirPods 3, an update from the prior 4C165 that was made available in December.

AirPods 3 New Firmware Feature
Apple does not offer details on what's included in new firmware updates for the AirPods‌, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.

There is 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 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 update is installed, we'll share details, but the software likely focuses primarily on performance improvements and bug fixes rather than new features.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

airpods pro 3 blue

Apple Offers 10% Off AirPods and More for Earth Day Device Recycling

Thursday April 16, 2026 6:19 am PDT by
Apple is offering 10% off AirPods, Beats, or accessories to customers who recycle an eligible iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac at a participating Apple Store through May 16. The discount applies when the recycling and purchase are completed in the same transaction. The promotion runs from today, April 16, through to May 16. Products brought in for recycling undergo screenings, with eligible ...
european union eu

EU iPhone Users Get AirPods-Like Pairing and Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 1:50 pm PDT by
iOS 26.5 introduces several interoperability changes for third-party wearables, which means European iPhone users have access to new capabilities when using non-Apple accessories. To comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple is letting third-party wearables access some features that have historically been limited to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Proximity pairing - Third-party...
AirPods Hearing Aid Thumb 1

Apple Watch Hypertension Alerts and AirPods Hearing Aid Feature Expand to More Countries

Tuesday May 12, 2026 10:53 am PDT by
Apple today said Hearing Aid features are now available for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 in Italy, Romania, and Czechia, while Hypertension alerts have expanded to Israel. The Hearing Aid option allows the AirPods Pro to be used as an over-the-counter alternative to a traditional set of hearing aids. The AirPods Pro can improve sound to mitigate mild to moderate hearing loss,...

Top Rated Comments

Evon Avatar
56 months ago
Wrong AirPods pic used
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BreakYurAnkles Avatar
56 months ago
here we go again. you're about to see all the "how to update tricks" and "mine won't update 😭" posts..... 🤣
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lucas Curious Avatar
56 months ago
does the update make them stay in your ears better?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
56 months ago

here we go again. you're about to see all the "how to update tricks" and "mine won't update 😭" posts..... 🤣
Mine won’t update. Any tricks?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
transpo1 Avatar
56 months ago
Man, it’s been a slow news week so far…
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
56 months ago

Wrong AirPods pic used
Maybe get your eyes checked, dude. Looks fine to me. It doesn't look at all like a graphic I just swapped in before making this comment… :mad:
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)