From time to time, Apple wireless headphones obtain a new firmware update – it is the software that controls all the equipment of the device. Sometimes these are just random bug corrections where Apple does not even tell you what is corrected. Other times, it allows new features when used in conjunction with other Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Mac, even Apple TV).
Your airpods should update their firmware automatically, without intervention, as long as they are billed and in the Bluetooth range of the iPhone, iPad or Mac to which they are connected.
There is no way to “force” an update of how you manually download iOS or Mac updates, but you can take steps to help trigger it.
How to update AirPods on iPhone, iPad or Mac
Make sure your airpods are in the Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Put your airpods in their charge case and close the cover.
- Connect the load case (connect the USB cable to a power adapter and the load box).
- Keep the lid of the closed load case.
- Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Open the load box to reconnect your airpods to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- Check the firmware version again.
How to check the firmware version of your airpods
On iPhone or iPad: With your nearby airpods and the open, open housing Parameters on your iPhone or iPad. You will see your airpods listed at the top of the parameters. Press this and scroll down your AirPods settings to see the version.
On Mac: Open System settings. Select BluetoothThen click (i) next to your connected airpods. The version will be listed, as well as other information.
Apple lists the latest version of the firmware for each airpods model on the AirPods Firmware support page.
How to update AirPods on Android
You can't! The airpods firmware can only be updated with a connected Apple device.
