Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Max 2 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Max 2

Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Max 2. The firmware is version 8E258, up from the prior 8E251 firmware that was released just ahead of when the ‌AirPods Max 2‌ launched.

AirPods Max 2 Design
It's not clear what's included in the firmware update, but Apple provides limited details in its AirPods firmware support document. Most updates focus on bug fixes and improvements.

The ‌AirPods Max 2‌ have an H2 chip, an upgrade over the H1. The H2 brings several new features like Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Loud Sound Reduction, Voice Isolation, and more.

To get the new firmware, make sure your AirPods are in range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and are connected via Bluetooth. From there, connect the Apple device to Wi-Fi, then connect the AirPods Max to power with a USB-C cable. Keep the AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of the Apple device, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.

From there, reconnect the AirPods to the Apple device, and check the firmware version to see if it's updated. Apple says if the firmware doesn't install, to restart the AirPods Max and try again.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Card iPhone 16 Pro Feature

Apple Card Promo to Offer Free AirPods Pro 3

Friday May 15, 2026 8:59 am PDT by
Starting as early as next week, customers who sign up for an Apple Card at Apple's retail stores in the U.S. will receive $249 cash back when they purchase AirPods Pro 3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The promotion has yet to be officially announced by Apple, so exact terms and conditions are not available at this time. AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249 in the U.S., so customers who...
airpods pro 3 pink

New Apple Card Holders Can Get Free AirPods Pro 3, But There's a Catch

Monday May 18, 2026 8:11 am PDT by
Apple today launched a new promotion offering new Apple Card holders the chance to earn back the cost of AirPods Pro 3 through monthly cash rebates, but there is a recurring spend requirement attached. Customers who open a new Apple Card account and purchase AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple by June 15 will qualify. Starting July 1 and running through April 30, 2027, cardholders can earn $25 ...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1

Foldable iPhone Production Stalls Amid Hinge Issues

Monday May 18, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
Trial production of Apple's long-anticipated foldable iPhone, likely called the "iPhone Ultra," has run into a significant engineering hurdle centered on hinge reliability, according to a known leaker. The leaker known as "Instant Digital" posted on Weibo that the foldable device's hinge is consistently failing to meet Apple's quality control standards under conditions of prolonged,...

Top Rated Comments

2 weeks ago
It’s crazy in 2026 we’re about to get disclosure on multidimensional beings but Tim Apple won’t tell us what’s in an AirPods update.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
funkdoc23 Avatar
2 weeks ago
Connected it to my MacBook via USBC & it updated mine to 8E528 in 5 mins.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrENGLISH Avatar
2 weeks ago

It’s crazy in 2026 we’re about to get disclosure on multidimensional beings but Tim Apple won’t tell us what’s in an AirPods update.
In all fairness, I don't think Tim even knows what's in the update.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2 weeks ago
Apple should disclose what is changing with an update however small it may be. Have to simply assume that it might be only a bug fixing update.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jbachandouris Avatar
2 weeks ago

Connected it to my MacBook via USBC & it updated mine to 8E528 in 5
Finally updated.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2 weeks ago

In the case or not?
For Airpods Pro in case. I never had to update firmware on AirPods Max 2 since I don’t own them. Waiting for them to be on sale for $399.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)