Methods to replace AirPods; every thing you could know

First off: there’s no direct method to replace AirPods firmware. When Apple updates AirPods software program — because it simply did for AirPods Professional — the replace occurs mechanically, within the background.

Nevertheless, there’s a method to velocity up the replace course of. Plus, it’s a good suggestion to manually examine you’re operating the newest model, which brings bug fixes and generally nice new options.

As famous, Apple most not too long ago launched contemporary firmware for AirPods Professional, taking the over-the-ears headphones to 6A324. Final week got here model 6A321 for AirPods 2 and AirPods Professional 1. Earlier in January, AirPods 3 acquired 6A321.

Right here’s learn how to examine your AirPods are operating the newest firmware on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Plus what to do in the event that they aren’t, and learn how to power AirPods firmware to replace.

Methods to replace AirPods firmware

Apple periodically brings out new firmware with enhancements and bug fixes. It’s properly price putting in these updates as a result of they repair bugs and generally include important new options. The 6A300/6A301 replace final fall, for instance, added new options to the whole AirPod line.

Apple sometimes doesn’t hassle to announce AirPods updates. Nevertheless, the corporate not too long ago began publishing launch notes so customers know what’s modified.

Firmware updates are performed mechanically when your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth vary of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s linked to Wi-Fi.

What’s the newest AirPods firmware?

• AirPods (third era): 6A321
• AirPods (2nd era): 6A321
• AirPods Max: 6A324
• AirPods (1st era): 6.8.8

What’s the newest AirPods Professional firmware?

• AirPods Professional (2nd era) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 6B34
• AirPods Professional (2nd era) with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 6B34
• AirPods Professional (1st era): 6A321

Apple launched firmware model 6A324 just for AirPods Professional in on January 30, changing 6A300 from final fall. The discharge notes say it merely provides “bug fixes and different enhancements.”

Presently, solely AirPods Max are on model 6A304. AirPods Professional 2 are on 6B34 from December 5, whether or not the earbuds are from 2022 or the brand new 2023 version.

Methods to examine AirPods’ present firmware model on iPhone or iPad

It’s fairly simple to rapidly examine in case your AirPods are updated in iOS and iPadOS.

1. Join your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad

Begin by establishing an energetic connection to your AirPods by opening the lid of the charging case. Or put the earbuds on, whichever you like.

2. Go to Settings

Open the Settings app in your iPhone or iPad. When linked, your AirPods needs to be proper on the prime of settings, just under your Apple ID settings. Simply faucet the identify of your AirPods, and on the subsequent display scroll nearly to the underside the place you’ll see Model, which lists the present firmware quantity.

For a lot of AirPods fashions, search for Model to say 6A321. The identical is true for first-gen AirPods Professional. The newest AirPods Professional ought to learn 6B34, and so forth. See the chart above.

3. Alternatively, go to Settings -> Bluetooth

One other method to examine AirPods firmware is to go to Settings -> Bluetooth and look below My Gadgets for the identify of your AirPods.

Faucet within the blue ⓘ icon — it’s an i with a circle round it subsequent to the identify.  On the ensuing web page, search for Model. Once more, the newest model for many AirPods is 6A321, whereas the newer AirPods Professional are on 6B34. You may as well examine Apple’s listing of present firmware variations.

Methods to power an replace

If the firmware model isn’t updated, you possibly can hurry alongside the method. Sadly, you possibly can’t push a button or toggle a setting to inform your AirPods to replace.

The most effective you are able to do is put your AirPods of their case and plug the case into an influence cable (Lightning or USB-C). Identical factor for AirPods Max: simply plug the headphones right into a charging cable. Or when you’ve got a wi-fi charging case, put your AirPods on a wi-fi charger.

Then be certain that the iPhone or iPad they’re paired with is shut by, and wait. The firmware ought to replace. Sometimes, the method takes 5 to 10 minutes however can take as much as half-hour. Be affected person!

There are theories on learn how to get a sooner replace, like plugging the AirPods case right into a Mac, however none of those have ever been definitively confirmed to work any faster.

Realistically, it is a downside just for individuals who get antsy about controlling firmware updates, and who need the newest as quickly as they will get it. For everybody else, simply preserve utilizing your AirPods. The replace will occur with out you having to do a factor.

Methods to examine AirPods’ present firmware model on Mac

You may as well examine your AirPods firmware on a Mac. Your Mac will must be operating macOS Ventura or later.

1. Go to System Settings

Click on the Apple menu icon within the higher left nook of your Mac’s display, and choose System Settings.

2. Choose Bluetooth

Click on Bluetooth within the left-hand sidebar. Then discover your AirPods within the My Gadgets listing and choose the blue ⓘ icon (an i with a circle round it subsequent to the identify). Make certain that your AirPods are linked to your Mac. It’ll say Linked. If not, open the lid of the case, or choose Join subsequent to their identify.

3. Test the firmware model

After clicking in your AirPods, a popup will present details about them, together with the firmware quantity subsequent to Model. Test it in opposition to the firmware numbers listed above, or in opposition to Apple’s listing of present AirPod firmware updates.

4. Drive an replace

If the firmware model isn’t updated, pop your AirPod into their case, and plug them right into a charging cable. You’ll be able to put the opposite finish of the charging cable into your Mac. The firmware ought to replace itself. Once more, it takes 5 to 10 minutes, however might take longer. In case you have a wi-fi charging case, it’s also possible to put your AirPods on a charger.

Are you able to replace AirPods firmware on Android or Home windows?

Although you possibly can join your AirPods to an Android gadget or to a Home windows laptop, you can not replace the firmware on Android or Home windows. You’ll be able to solely replace AirPods firmware on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

There may be presently no third-party software program that may do an AirPods firmware replace.

Editor’s observe: That is an up to date model of an article first revealed on November 14, 2019, and refreshed periodically since then with successive new AirPods firmware variations. Leander Kahney contributed to this publish. It was final up to date on December 30, 2023.