How to update Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max

No matter if they are the most recent third-generation wireless earbuds, Apple's flagship AirPods Pros, or the most expensive over-ear AirPods Max, it is always a good idea to keep the software of your priceless AirPods up to date. Updates to the firmware can solve problems and, more significantly, reveal intriguing new features.

You won't miss out on new features if you have the most recent firmware. For instance, the costly AirPods Max was the first to offer Spatial Audio, but many AirPods Pro owners were unaware that a software update made the sound feature available on their earbuds without them having to shell out a lot of money for a new pair of Max. Sometimes all that is required is a firmware update. How to upgrade your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max is provided here.

How to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware

You must ensure that the firmware on your AirPods is updated if you want to use the newest features they are capable of. The good news is that, for the majority of customers, this firmware upgrade will happen automatically, without your involvement. However, it's disappointing that you can't truly manually update your AirPods and AirPods Pro. All you have to do is this:

1. Make sure your AirPods or AirPods Pro earbuds are fully charged before placing them in the charging case. 
2. If you have a Wireless Charging Case, place it on a charging platform or MagSafe charger. If not, connect the case to a power source, such as a Lightning cable. 
3. Place the iPhone or iPad with which your AirPods are connected near the case.

I'm done now. Simply wait a few minutes, and the firmware update will be installed if one is available. Try again after resetting the AirPods if it doesn't work.

How to update your AirPods Max's firmware

There's really no way to force an update for the AirPods Max; it just happens naturally, just like with the AirPods and AirPods Pro. However, you can attempt to manually start the update by doing as following:

1. Ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to your AirPods Max. 
2. Place your AirPods Max in the Smart Case and attach a power cable. The only thing left to do is wait. Give it a few minutes before removing them from the charger; you don't want to unintentionally stop the update in the middle of it. 
3. Finally, determine whether the update was successful using the following methods.

How to check your AirPods’ firmware version

1. Make sure your phone is on the most recent version of iOS 15 (as of May 2022, that's iOS 15.5) before checking to see if your AirPods or AirPods Pro are using the most recent software. 
2. Visit Settings > General > About Next. To see AirPods Pro, AirPods, or AirPods Max on the list, you'll probably need to scroll quite far down. You might not even be able to view this setting if your iPhone is out-of-date or your headphones aren't currently linked to your phone, especially if you have AirPods Pro. 
3. If the firmware version for your AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro is 4E71 (as of May 10, 2022), you have the most recent upgrade. That completes your setup. If not, adhere to the directions above.