Apple to Offer Beta Versions of AirPods Pro Firmware for Developers - MacRumors
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Apple to Offer Beta Versions of AirPods Pro Firmware for Developers

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Apple says that starting at a future date, it will offer members of the Apple Developer Program access to beta versions of AirPods Pro firmware updates before they're released and shipped to the public.

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware
Apple made the announcement for developers on the downloads page where beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS are available. According to Apple, AirPods Pro firmware betas will allow for the development of certain features on iOS and macOS and will enable features such as Conversation Boost and Ambient Noise Reduction.

Pre-release AirPods Pro firmware for Apple Developer Program members will be available at a future date. This will allow development of features on iOS and macOS for AirPods as well as enable new features, including Conversation Boost (beam forming) and Ambient Noise Reduction (noise suppressor).

Currently, Apple occasionally releases firmware updates for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, although there's no reliable way to manually update the devices. Instead, they're updated automatically when connected to power and nearby a paired iPhone or iPad with an internet connection.

It remains unclear how Apple will provide beta versions for AirPods Pro firmware. Presumably, Apple will provide a profile for developers to download that automatically installs and updates the AirPods Pro when there's a new update.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

BWhaler Avatar
BWhaler
63 months ago
Maybe start with way for everyone to force an update to their firmware?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D
darkslide29
63 months ago
I don’t see the point of this without Apple also providing release notes, which currently doesn’t happen.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
W
Wowfunhappy
63 months ago

Maybe start with way for everyone to force an update to their firmware?
And to downgrade, pretty please! There needs to be a way to fall back if something goes wrong!

Basically, acknowledge that these things are little computers with actual software and people need to have a bit of agency over the process!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
one more Avatar
one more
63 months ago
Instead, they're updated automatically ('https://www.geekwebguides.com/how-to/update-airpods/') when connected to power and nearby a paired iPhone ('https://www.geekwebguides.com/guide/iphone/') or iPad ('https://www.geekwebguides.com/roundup/ipad/') with an internet connection.

If only! My AP2 are still stuck on 3A283 hardware, whereas 3E751 was released in late April. Tried all the usual stuff > and nope. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
JCCL
63 months ago

Interesting. Is this the “new” Apple? I wonder how Apple is going to ensure the firmware isn’t distributed.
Just as they do with iOS, WatchOS, or TVOS developer beta releases......they won't. I assume it will also be a profile
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
cmatuk
63 months ago

I am not on a beta device, iOS 14.6 in all its glory! 😉

PS I wish they could just make it user-controllable, adding an “Update” button or something.
Oh, ok ok... a manual switch would be awesome but I guess they think it removes some of the "magic" of you don't have to think about it... I also think not a lot of people outside the tech community knows about an update the second they announce it... Who knows really?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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