Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods 3

Apple today introduced a new firmware update for the third-generation AirPods. The new firmware is version 6A317, up from the 6A300 firmware introduced in September.

airpods 3 blue
Apple's AirPods firmware updates do not come with details on new features, so it is unclear what might be included in the software.

Apple also does not offer instructions on how to upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally 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 iOS device or Mac should force the update.

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

  • Connect your ‌‌‌‌‌‌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 learn more about what's new in the AirPods firmware release, we'll update this article. Apple has also recently released 6A307 beta firmware for the AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

andrewxgx Avatar
28 months ago
does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
David1964 Avatar
28 months ago

does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
That’s your ear’s fault ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
veebs Avatar
28 months ago
Safari seems snappier with this update
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
28 months ago

Does it fix the problem where one doesn’t seat correctly and doesn’t charge overnight? Then the next night it’s the other one. Then it’s fine for a few days. I’ve replaced 3 pair and all have the same problem. I’ve never had this issue on the first generation AirPods. I actually just went back and purchased a first generation so I wouldn’t have the issue any longer, at least for the pair I use for traveling. The AirPods 3 I have a home for the bedroom and office still have this problem.
That's happened to me too with the AirPods Pro. I I think I found the culprit. Dirt can accumulate between the stem and the part that goes in your ear, and cleaning that crevice seems to help.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
geotbozo Avatar
28 months ago

I hope it fixes the issue where it pops up on the iphone with instructions/reminder on how to mute/unmute when on a call
^^^THIS!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Polinsky Avatar
28 months ago

does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
Yup. When you place the earpiece in your ear, little prongs come out and grab your outer ear canal. It stays put until you forcefully remove it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)