Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

by

Apple today provided developers with updated beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, allowing them to test the new AirPods features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware is only available to developers at the current time, and a device running ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, or macOS 26 is required to install the update. The firmware has a build number of 8A5343a, up from 8A5324b.

airpods pro 2 green
The firmware adds several features that Apple is debuting alongside ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌.

The AirPods Pro 2 and ‌AirPods 4‌ support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There's also an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording.

With ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates the beta testing.

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....
Read Full Article • 27 comments
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...
Read Full Article • 47 comments
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...
Read Full Article • 88 comments

Top Rated Comments

M
MacMan988
8 months ago
At Apple, we believe that progress is not measured in miles, but in decimals.
And today… with the release of the new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4… we have once again redefined what it means to listen.

This is not just an update. It is a rebirth of sound.
A microscopic reengineering of ones and zeros… transforming every note, every voice, every silence… into an experience so immersive, it feels less like firmware… and more like destiny.

We spent years rethinking… the invisible.
Tuning algorithms at the atomic level. Sculpting waveforms with the precision of a watchmaker.
The result? A firmware so advanced, it makes yesterday’s firmware feel… primitive.

The first time I experienced it… I closed my eyes.
And when I opened them, I realized… I was crying.

This is not just AirPods. This is AirPods… evolved.
With every update, we aren’t simply improving. We are… innovating. Again.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
Kar98
8 months ago

iPhone 25e here


Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
E
erihp
8 months ago

At Apple, we believe that progress is not measured in miles, but in decimals.
And today… with the release of the new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4… we have once again redefined what it means to listen.

This is not just an update. It is a rebirth of sound.
A microscopic reengineering of ones and zeros… transforming every note, every voice, every silence… into an experience so immersive, it feels less like firmware… and more like destiny.

We spent years rethinking… the invisible.
Tuning algorithms at the atomic level. Sculpting waveforms with the precision of a watchmaker.
The result? A firmware so advanced, it makes yesterday’s firmware feel… primitive.

The first time I experienced it… I closed my eyes.
And when I opened them, I realized… I was crying.

This is not just AirPods. This is AirPods… evolved.
With every update, we aren’t simply improving. We are… innovating. Again.
liked your post (great job mimicking the marketing talk!)

... but i gotta say, i dont know of too many other wireless earbuds that get firmware updates to enhance their capabilities and add features.

whether those updates or features are valuable (to you) is another thing.

im ok with it
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robfoll Avatar
robfoll
8 months ago

It is beyond baffling that the enabling beta options for the AirPods doesn’t show up anywhere on my phone. I’m on OS26 for every single other Apple device but them. So annoying.
You need to have the AirPods connected to your phone. And then you can access all of this either under Bluetooth settings or a new AirPods pane that pops up in Preferences. Then, right at the bottom of the whole AirPods screen, you'll find the beta options.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
U
Unregistered 4U
8 months ago
Apple added a beta firmware update installation option ('https://developer.apple.com/support/install-beta/#airpods-beta').
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mousse Avatar
Mousse
8 months ago

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos.
How much salt should I take this with? I find this claim on par with a phone camera taking medium format quality photos. I guess if you interview in a rigidly controlled environment.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments