Apple Releases New 4E71 Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Max and AirPods Pro

Tuesday May 10, 2022 1:06 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today released a new 4E71 firmware update for the AirPods 2, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro, up from the 4C165 firmware that was released back in December. Apple has also released new 4E71 firmware for the AirPods 3, up from the 4C170 firmware that was released in January.

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 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 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 3

Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral), AirPods Pro (Buy Now)

Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

supergt

46 months ago

Should be illegal to push firmware updates without both release notes and an option to decline.

Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)

srbNYC

46 months ago

Dear Lord: Please dissuade people from asking or theorizing how to force a firmware update, including but not limited to:

* Opening the case
* Closing the case
* Opening and then closing the case
* Opening the case while standing on left foot, then immediately switching feet and closing the case
* Drinking unsweetened pomegranate juice while repeatedly opening and closing the case while standing 7.3-8.4 feet from your iPhone while it is plugged in
* Etc.

Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)

neutrino23

46 months ago

Slightly off topic. I'm old and I still find it amusing that headphones have small computers in them that require firmware updates from time to time. When I was a kid I had an earphone for my crystal radio. You could unscrew the cover and see the magnet and coiled wire inside. No computers. ?

Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)

_Spinn_

46 months ago

Would e nice if Apple provided release notes.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

5097842

46 months ago

Would be nice if you could plug them in and update like the iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack.

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)