Apple has released a new beta firmware for several AirPods models, including the second-generation AirPods, third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
Apple’s notes say the beta firmware includes improvements to Automatic Switching and various bug and stability fixes. The new beta firmware has a version number 5.0 and build number 5A5282d, up from 4.4 and 4E71.
Apple Developer Program members can grab the beta firmware on the More Downloads page of Apple’s developer website, where they’ll also find installation instructions. The beta firmware does not appear to be compatible with first-generation AirPods.
To install the beta firmware, Apple says developers need an iPhone running the iOS 16 beta, a Mac running the macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and supported AirPods. Developers must pair the AirPods with an iPhone, connect the iPhone to a Mac with a Lightning cable, launch Xcode 14 beta on the Mac, navigate to Settings → Developer, and choose Pre-Release Beta Firmware under the AirPods Testing section.
The firmware update will not be performed immediately. It may take up to 24 hours for the beta firmware to be received and installed on your AirPods. Once installed, the beta firmware will un on your AirPods until an updated non-beta software version is released. Any additional beta software updates will be automatically received until then.