It’s time to try this dance once more: Apple has launched a brand new beta firmware replace for its AirPods wi-fi headphones, and no person is certain what it does.
Firmware model 6E188, up from 6B34 launched in December, is at the moment in beta and, as reported by MacRumors, is accessible to builders solely. (Due to this, it hasn’t but changed 6B34 on Apple’s firmware listings web page.) It’s for the second-gen AirPods Professional, and applies to each the USB-C and Lightning editions of that machine.
Apple has been testing iOS 17.4 for a couple of month and it’s as a consequence of arrive on telephones this coming week. It’s seemingly that this beta will arrive alongside that launch or shortly after.
However what does it truly do? No one outdoors of Apple truly is aware of–and that’s common. A look on the firmware web page listed above exhibits that the final seven have all listed, underneath their launch notes, merely “Bug fixes and different enhancements.” Apple doesn’t actually inform folks what firmware updates change about AirPods habits, and even that boilerplate textual content is deceptive since typically there are solely “large fixes” and no “different enhancements” in any respect.
At occasions like this the most effective strategy is to take a look at latest information tales to see if the AirPods fashions in query have any apparent high-profile bugs that might name for a repair. However there isn’t a lot to talk of in regards to the AirPods Professional.
Curiously, the discussion board response to MacRumors’ information story does function quite a few complaints that the replace might conceivably be supposed to handle, however they cowl a spread of points–automated switching, inconsistent Bluetooth connection, lack of cost–none of which have been reported in giant volumes; these usually tend to be remoted points with particular person items moderately than basic issues that should be addressed on the firmware stage. (One cynic even hints that the replace could possibly be supposed to weaken the earbuds’ efficiency to make prospects extra seemingly to purchase an imminent new mannequin.)
Orindarily we’d say that one of the best ways to search out out what the replace does is to put in it. (Or moderately, look forward to it to put in itself. It will mechanically occur sooner or later within the close to future when the AirPods are of their case and charging.) However as this one is for devs solely we’ll all have to attend till it’s launched to most of the people.
