Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max

Apple today introduced new 5B59 firmware for the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3, the original AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max, up from the 5B58 firmware that was released in November.

AirPods 3 New Firmware Feature
Apple does not offer immediately available release notes on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, but the company does maintain a support document with release information.

There is no standard way to upgrade the ‌AirPods‌‌ software, but firmware is installed over-the-air while the ‌‌AirPods‌‌ are connected to an iOS device. Putting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ in the case, connecting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to a power source, and then pairing the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌ to your iOS device.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap About.
  • Tap ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌.
  • Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll update this article, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.

Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

metalsiren Avatar
42 months ago
I still cant believe you cant manually hit a button to say update... LOL come on Apple this is stupid by now.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justin Cymbal Avatar
42 months ago
Awesome

I’m glad that Apple now publishes a support document for what is included in each of the firmware updates
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
42 months ago
Here we go. Has it improved ANC or made it worse? Let’s see.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Prof. Avatar
42 months ago
Let’s hope this fixes the insane battery drain. I’ll fully charge my AirPods Pro 2 and with light usage the case will be down to 30-50% in 24 hours.

EDIT: either I read the article wrong or they edited the OP, but the APP2 will not receive this firmware update. Here's hoping a later update fixes the excessive battery drain.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carrrrrlos Avatar
42 months ago
Wow, will FindMy actually finally find my AirPod Pros in the case that are right next to me?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
42 months ago
Here we go again! Loss of ANC is to be expected. Get ready folks, Apple preparing folks for the APP 3, and the APM 2.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)