Apple has updated the firmware for several older AirPods models. New firmware revision is 6F21, old firmware was 6A326. The models affected are as follows:
- AirPods Max (Lightning only)
- AirPods 2
- AirPods 3
- AirPods Pro 1
That’s all except the new AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and the USB-C version of AirPods Max. Apple stopped updating the stock AirPods firmware some time ago, as it was discontinued and replaced with 2nd generation AirPods (now called AirPods 2) in 2019.
According to Apple’s AirPods Firmware page, this version only offers “bug fixes and other improvements.”
We expect AirPods Pro 2 to receive a firmware update shortly, to version 7B19 (or later) to enable the new hearing health features in iOS 18.1.
Updating your AirPods firmware
There is no way to force an upgrade to the new firmware; it will automatically install when the AirPods are in their case and charging. It may take hours or even days to get the latest firmware. If you haven’t used your AirPods in a while, taking them out of their case and using them for a few minutes before putting them back in the charger can help speed things up.
To see what firmware version your AirPods are running, you can open the Settings app, select your connected AirPods (near the top), scroll down all the options until About section, and look at the Version double. You can also find this information in General > About > [name of your AirPods].
