Apple Now Provides Release Notes for AirPods Firmware Updates

As expected, Apple has published a new support document with release notes for standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max firmware updates. Going forward, Apple says the page will outline new features and changes included in AirPods firmware updates.

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature
The latest firmware version for AirPods is 4E71 and was released in May. Sadly, Apple's support document is not particularly helpful for this version, with the release notes only mentioning "bug fixes and other improvements," without any specific details. Hopefully the release notes are more detailed for future firmware versions.

On an iPhone updated to iOS 16, a link to Apple's support document for AirPods firmware updates can be found by opening the Settings app, navigating to General → About → AirPods, and tapping on Firmware Version. The support document is similar to one that Apple has maintained for AirTag firmware updates since earlier this year.

There is still no manual way to update AirPods, with new firmware installing automatically over time while the AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. There are some tips and tricks that may help with the process.

(Thanks, Federico!)

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

Top Rated Comments

honglong1976 Avatar
7 months ago
Very informative:)

[HEADING=1]Version 4E71 release notes[/HEADING]

* Bug fixes and other improvements
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B4U Avatar
7 months ago
Next step is to give us the button to manually update the thing.
The current implementation is not acceptable.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
7 months ago
Yes! I wonder why Apple didn't do release notes at first?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
a-bob Avatar
7 months ago
To update AirPods firmware you go to Bluetooth. To update AirTags you go to Find My app. Update HomePod go to Home app. Seems like Apple could consolidate these items in one place for firmware updates.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mxrider88 Avatar
7 months ago
It says bug fixes and other improvement.

No sh*t. What else otherwise?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JustSomebody12 Avatar
7 months ago

To update AirPods firmware you go to Bluetooth. To update AirTags you go to Find My app. Update HomePod go to Home app. Seems like Apple could consolidate these items in one place for firmware updates.
If only there was a Software Update section in iOS...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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