How to update AirPods
To update AirPods, put them in their charging case, plug the case into power, close the lid and leave them within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad or Mac that is on the latest software and on Wi-Fi. Apple says to wait at least 30 minutes, then open the lid and check the firmware version again.[1]
There is no update button. AirPods install new firmware by themselves when these conditions are met, so the job is to make them true and then check.
Before you start
- An iPhone, iPad or Mac on the latest iOS, iPadOS or macOS, with Bluetooth on.
- Your AirPods connected to that device over Bluetooth.
- The device connected to Wi-Fi.
- The charging case plugged into power (AirPods Max: the charging cable, see below).
- About 30 minutes. Apple says to wait at least that long.
Update AirPods and AirPods Pro
- Update your iPhone, iPad or Mac to the latest software and make sure Bluetooth is on. On iPhone and iPad that is Settings → General → Software Update; our iOS page has the steps.
- Connect your AirPods to the device over Bluetooth.
- Connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Plug your charging case into power.
- Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid, and keep them within Bluetooth range of the device.
- Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Open the case lid to reconnect the AirPods.
- Check the firmware version again (see below).
Update AirPods Max
- Update your device to the latest software and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Connect your AirPods Max to the device over Bluetooth.
- Connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then plug the other end into a USB charger or port.
- Keep the headphones within Bluetooth range of the device and wait at least 30 minutes.
- Reconnect the headphones to the device.
- Check the firmware version again.
Check the version
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings, tap Bluetooth, tap the info button next to your AirPods’ name, then scroll to the About section. The firmware version is listed there.
- Mac: choose the Apple menu, then System Settings, click Bluetooth, then click the info button next to your AirPods’ name.
Your AirPods must be connected and nearby for the version to show.
Latest firmware by model
Apple’s page lists these as the latest versions when we read it on 7 November 2026. Apple’s page was published 17 September 2026.[1]
| Model | Latest firmware |
|---|---|
| AirPods Max 2 | 9A348 |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) | 7E108 |
| AirPods Max (Lightning) | 6F25 |
| AirPods Pro 3 | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C or Lightning case) | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | 6F21 |
| AirPods 5 (either case) | 9A350 |
| AirPods 4 (either model) | 9A348 |
| AirPods 3 | 6F21 |
| AirPods 2 | 6F21 |
| AirPods (1st generation) | 6.8.8 |
If yours matches, you are up to date. If it is lower, follow the steps above.
If it won’t update
- Go back over the conditions: latest OS on the device, Bluetooth on, Wi-Fi on, case plugged in with the lid closed, and the AirPods near the device the whole time.
- Reset the AirPods, then try again. Apple has a reset guide for AirPods and a separate one for AirPods Max.[1]
- With no Apple device nearby, Apple says you can book an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have the firmware updated.
Automatic updates
Apple says firmware updates install automatically when your AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad or Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi. There is no setting to turn on. Keeping your phone updated and putting the AirPods on charge near it now and then is enough.
Why it matters
AirPods are a small computer that talks to your phone and reads your voice. Their firmware gets fixes and new features like any other software, and a pair that stays on old firmware misses them. The firmware list above is Apple’s; this page does not claim any particular fix is in a particular version. For the phone they connect to, see the latest versions and security releases we track.
Questions
Can I update AirPods without an iPhone?
Apple’s steps use an iPhone, iPad or Mac that is on the latest software, connected to the AirPods and on Wi-Fi. Apple says that if you don’t have an Apple device nearby, you can book an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have the firmware updated.
How do I know if my AirPods are up to date?
Compare the firmware version on your device with the latest one in the table above. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, tap the info button next to your AirPods and scroll to About. On a Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth and click the info button next to your AirPods.
How long does an AirPods update take?
Apple says to leave the AirPods in the charging case with the lid closed, within Bluetooth range of the connected device, for at least 30 minutes.
Do AirPods update automatically?
Yes. Apple says firmware updates install automatically while the AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad or Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi.
My AirPods won’t update. What now?
Apple’s advice is to reset the AirPods and try the update again. Apple has separate reset guides for AirPods and AirPods Max.
Is there a way to force an AirPods update?
Apple’s page doesn’t describe a button to force one. It lists the conditions above (latest OS, Bluetooth on, Wi-Fi, case plugged in, lid closed, 30 minutes) and says to check the version again afterwards.
References
- ^ Apple Support, “About firmware updates for AirPods”, published 17 September 2026, read 7 November 2026.