Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

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Following the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote in June, Apple provided developers with a beta firmware for several AirPods models, including the second-generation AirPods, third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Apple today updated that firmware, with the version number going from 5A5282d to 5A304a.

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware
The updated AirPods firmware is limited to developers, who can download the software from the More Downloads page on the Apple developer website. Installing the beta requires an iPhone running the iOS 16 beta, a Mac running the macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and supported AirPods.

Developers are required to 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. Subsequent updates are delivered over the air once the pre-release testing option is enabled.

According to Apple, the beta firmware includes improvements to Automatic Switching as well as bug and stability fixes. The software will eventually come to all AirPods after testing is finished, and it could see a release this fall alongside ‌iOS 16‌, iPadOS 16, ‌macOS Ventura‌, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9.

Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution), AirPods Pro (Buy Now), AirPods Max (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

Le0M Avatar
Le0M
12 months ago
I really hope Apple improves the automatic connection feature, cuz it's very buggy to say the least.
It often connects to the wrong device, switches device without asking, sometimes not able to change volume of the earpieces, and so on.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FasterQuieter Avatar
FasterQuieter
12 months ago
Hopefully it will make my AirPods Max less heavy.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
coolfactor
12 months ago

I just want a design that prevents my AirPods Pro from flying out of the case and across the yard when I drop them.
Sounds like the problem is that they are being dropped, so a redesign of your hands is the solution. Poor AirPods... being blamed when they are the victim!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
vegetassj4
12 months ago
I just want a design that prevents my AirPods Pro from flying out of the case and across the yard when I drop them.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
finalcut Avatar
finalcut
12 months ago

I just want a design that prevents my AirPods Pro from flying out of the case and across the yard when I drop them.
You are holding it wrong!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hxlover904 Avatar
hxlover904
12 months ago

But is it behaving correctly? I've started using AirPods more recently. When connected to my laptop, and then I grab my phone (waking it up), they switch over to the phone automatically. They are assuming that is device that I'm now using, and then they switch back to the laptop when I'm done with the phone. Seems reasonable, if not spooky. But this is fully configurable, too.
I think the main issue is it changes devices while you're actively listening/watching something on the first device. If they are connected to my ipad and i'm watching a video, then pick up my phone to read a text message-they switch to my phone and suddenly i have the sound from the ipad is coming through it's speakers which is jarring. Espeically to anyone else in the room. Yes, it's configurable (thank goodness), but I think it shouldn't switch devices when there is already sound coming throught the airpods.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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