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

Wednesday January 18, 2023 12:44 pm PST by Juli Clover

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 Roundups: AirPods 5, AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3

Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now), AirPods Max (Buy Now), AirPods Pro (Neutral)

Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:38 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...

• 29 comments

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:28 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5043a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...

• 5 comments

AirPods 5 Teardown: Batteries Removable, Case Still Tough

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:38 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Repair site iFixit today took apart Apple's AirPods 5 for one of its traditional teardown videos. It turns out the new AirPods are slightly more repairable than prior models, but it's still not a simple home fix. The AirPods 5 use pronged batteries that Apple previously used in the AirPods 3, but not the AirPods 4. The battery can be removed with a "nifty pair of tongs," and iFixit says the...

• 43 comments

Top Rated Comments

metalsiren

49 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

49 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)

AppleUser2

49 months ago

Here we go. Has it improved ANC or made it worse? Let’s see.

Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Prof.

49 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)