Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max With Improvements to Automatic Switching

Following the WWDC 2022 keynote this week, Apple has released a new beta firmware for several AirPods models, including the second-generation AirPods, third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Apple says the beta firmware includes improvements to Automatic Switching and various bug and stability fixes. The new beta firmware has a version number 5.0 and build number 5A5282d, up from 4.4 and 4E71.

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware
Apple says AirPods beta firmware enables development of AirPods-related features on iOS and macOS and allows Apple to debug issues. Apple did not provide any additional details about specific improvements being made to Automatic Switching in the latest beta.

Apple Developer Program members can access the beta firmware on the More Downloads page of Apple's developer website, complete with installation instructions. The beta firmware does not appear to be available for the first-generation AirPods.

To install the beta firmware, Apple says developers need an iPhone running the iOS 16 beta, a Mac running the macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and supported AirPods. Developers must pair the AirPods with an iPhone, connect the iPhone to a Mac with a Lightning cable, launch Xcode 14 beta on the Mac, navigate to Settings → Developer, and choose Pre-Release Beta Firmware under the AirPods Testing section.

Apple says it may take up to 24 hours for the beta firmware to be received and installed on AirPods. Once installed, Apple says the beta firmware will continue to run on the AirPods until an updated non-beta software version is released. Any additional beta software updates will be automatically received in the interim.

(Thanks, Robert Bentley!)

Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

turbineseaplane Avatar
24 months ago
I really wish there was a way to simply force update all the AirPods products
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
4jasontv Avatar
24 months ago

To install the beta firmware, Apple says developers need an iPhone running the iOS 16 beta, a Mac running the macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and supported AirPods. Developers must pair the AirPods with an iPhone, connect the iPhone to a Mac with a Lightning cable, launch Xcode 14 beta on the Mac, navigate to Settings → Developer, and choose Pre-Release Beta Firmware under the AirPods Testing section.
It's really simple. You just need three devices and additional software to update the firmware.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tgwaste Avatar
24 months ago
The auto switching is by far and wide the worst thing about this product. Really hope they make it better.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jav6454 Avatar
24 months ago
What a complicated process to get Beta software on AirPods.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mxrider88 Avatar
24 months ago
Improving automatic switching?
Are they kidding? It NEVER worked between my devices.
But when my partner picks up her iPhone my AirPods max transfer to her phone instead. Pure awesomeness
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tgwaste Avatar
24 months ago

Improving automatic switching?
Are they kidding? It NEVER worked between my devices.
But when my partner picks up her iPhone my AirPods max transfer to her phone instead. Pure awesomeness
Sounds like you need to forget the device on her phone.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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