Most Recent AirPods Firmware Release Fixes a Bluetooth Security Issue

Most Recent AirPods Firmware Release Fixes a Bluetooth Security Issue

Apple on Tuesday released firmware updates for several products. The affected devices include the Lightning and USB-C versions of the AirPods Pro 2, the first-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌, the AirPods Max, the second and third-generation AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro, and the PowerBeats Pro.

The second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ models, the PowerBeats Pro, and the Beats Fit Pro will have firmware version 6F8 following the update, up from 6F7, while the other headphones will have firmware version 6A326, up from 6A321.

The Cupertino company this week published a security bulletin for Tuesday’s AirPods firmware update, providing information about how the update fixes a Bluetooth bug.

AirPods Firmware Update 6A326, AirPods Firmware Update 6F8, and Beats Firmware Update 6F8

Released June 25, 2024

Bluetooth

Available for: AirPods (2nd generation and later), AirPods Pro (all models), AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro

Impact: When your headphones are seeking a connection request to one of your previously paired devices, an attacker in Bluetooth range might be able to spoof the intended source device and gain access to your headphones

Description: An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management.

CVE-2024-27867: Jonas Dreßler

There isn’t any way to manually update the firmware of the earbuds or headsets, and the new software will be installed over the air while they are connected via Bluetooth to an iOS device.

If you place the AirPods Pro 2 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.

How to Check Your Firmware

Here’s how to check the firmware version of your AirPods or Beats earbuds:

  1. Make sure your Apple earbuds are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or ‌iPad‌.
  3. Tap “General.”
  4. Tap “About.”
  5. Scroll down to ‌“AirPods,” and tap that.
  6. Read the number next to “Firmware Version.”

Latest firmware versions

  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 6F8
  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 6F8
  • AirPods Pro (1st generation): 6A326
  • AirPods (3rd generation): 6A326
  • AirPods (2nd generation): 6A326
  • AirPods Max: 6A326
  • AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8

Learn how you can identify your AirPods.