Apple on Tuesday released a new 4E71 firmware update for the AirPods 2, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro, an update from the 4C165 firmware that was released back in December. New 4E71 firmware for the AirPods 3 is also available, up from the 4C170 firmware that was released in January.
Apple doesn’t officially announce information on what’s included in the firmware update, so we’re not sure what changes the new firmware brings. If we find any notable fixes or improvements after the firmware updates are installed, we’ll share the details right here.
There isn’t any way to manually update the firmware of the earbuds, and the new software will be installed over the air while the AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max are connected via Bluetooth to an iOS device.
If you place the AirPods in their case, connect them to a power source, and then pair them to an iPhone or iPad, they should update after a short period of time.
Here’s how to check the firmware version of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max earbuds:
- Make sure your Airpods are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap “General.”
- Tap “About.”
- Scroll down to “AirPods,” and tap that.
- Read the number next to “Firmware Version.”