Apple Releases Beta Firmware Update for AirPods

Following today's keynote event, Apple has released a beta firmware update that is limited to developers, with the software adding some of the new features that were announced on stage.

airpods pro 2 purple
There's a new Adaptive Audio feature for the AirPods that combines Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to dynamically match the conditions of the environment that you're in.

You can stay present in your environment while distracting noises are reduced, listening to music without missing what's going on around you. When someone is nearby, a conversation awareness option will lower the sound of the music and focus on voices, while also cutting out background noise.

The Adaptive Audio and conversation functions also work on calls to make it easier for you to hear the person you're speaking with while you're out and about.

Apple is also improving automatic switching across the Apple ecosystem, so you can swap between devices more quickly than before.

The new firmware is limited to developers at the current time.

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

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iOS 26

When Will Apple Release iOS 26.2?

Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week. Past Launch Dates Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...

Top Rated Comments

Brenster Avatar
33 months ago
As someone with autism who uses AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and Max to listen to music and to control/suppress environmental audio stimulation, the new AirPods adaptive audio feature was quite possibly my favourite announcement of the day. Sure, the new macs and Visio pro will get all of the column inches (and rightfully so), but adaptive audio and improved device switching will improve my day to day work & home life the most.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannynjoni Avatar
33 months ago

I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
Mine haven't been plugged into lightning cable since purchasing them. I only ever charge wirelessly.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Domique623 Avatar
33 months ago

Do you think Adaptive Audio can be used always-on?
Yes for sure, its really convenient
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iPode Avatar
33 months ago

I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
I don't mind charging via lightning at all, the charging speed is good enough for me.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cutlub Avatar
33 months ago
I curious to owners of the current APP2 users: do any of you mind charging via lightning or magsafe?
It's never been a problem for me, but I understand usb-c holdouts.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rez07 Avatar
33 months ago
You need to connect to Xcode 15 beta first. https://9to5mac.com/2022/06/23/beta-airpods-firmware-install/
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)