In December 2021, Apple gave Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers access to a new AirPods Firmware Updater tool that could be used to update a customer’s AirPods Pro to the latest firmware when needed. The tool can now update the firmware on second-generation AirPods.
In an internal memo, shared by MacRumors, Apple announced that the tool can now update the firmware on second-generation AirPods. While AirPods Pro and second-generation AirPods are now listed as supported models, the third-generation AirPods or the AirPods Max are not listed.
Technicians that have access to Apple Service Toolkit 2 can use it to install the latest firmware on a customer’s AirPods in certain scenarios, such as if a customer’s left or right AirPod failed to update or if the customer is using a non-iOS companion device.
Customers do not have access to the firmware updater tool, as it is for Apple’s internal use only. As a rule, customers do not require access to the tool, as when AirPods are connected an iPhone or iPad should automatically update to the latest firmware after a short period of time, while in their charging case and connected to a power source.