I read online that there’s a firmware update to the Apple AirPods Pro that helps with the feedback buzzing issue I have. I’m hopeful it’ll be fixed. Meanwhile, how on Earth do I update the firmware on my AirPods Pro?
With every device in our lives having its own software or firmware on board, it’s no surprise that companies have had to become increasingly innovative about how to update that firmware. From cameras to car GPS systems, we consumers need a way to perform updates to keep our devices running with the latest and greatest. Some companies just assume it’s too complex – Husqvarna has dealer-only firmware updates for its powerful Automower robot lawn mowers, for example – but most companies either force the update or just do it magically behind the scenes.
The real issue is that updating firmware on any device, whether a television or a pair of bluetooth headphones, is risky. If it fails or the device runs out of power partway through the process, it can easily be left “bricked” and completely non-functional. Sorry, consumer, bad luck. Apple has its share of that too, which is why you can’t update your Mac or iPhone without it being at least 50% charged and, usually, plugged into its charger. Just in case…
Which brings us to the Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro. They definitely have firmware and you can check the version number, and there is an update that became available at the beginning of May, 2020. But how does it get onto those tiny little earbuds? Through your iPhone. It might also work through a Mac system, but the vast majority of users have their AirPods or AirPods Pro paired with their iPhone so that’s the path for the update. And to finally answer your question: “you” can’t update the firmware on your AirPods Pro, but if you leave it plugged in and connected to your iPhone, “it” will eventually do the task.
To see what version of the firmware you have, start in Settings on your iPhone when you have your AirPods Pro connected via bluetooth…
You’ll want to go to “General” from this point…
Hopefully you’ve already had a chance to fine tune your preferences with AirDrop, AirPlay, Handoff and CarPlay, but if not, here’s where you can sidetrack and check them out. Worth a minute or two detour.
Back? Okay, now you want to tap on “About” to proceed.
See the last line on this list of information? “Dave Taylor’s AirPods Pro“. Obviously yours are going to have a different name, but your AirPods or AirPods Pro should show up on this screen. If they don’t, make sure that the bluetooth connection is active (maybe listen to some music while you perform this task).
Once they show up, tap on the name to learn more about your AirPods Pro:
You can see that these are model A2084, hardware version 1.0.0, and are running AirPods Pro firmware 2B588.
So what’s the latest version of the firmware? Who knows. Apple is very coy about that on its main AirPods support page. You can poke around in Google or just make sure that at least once every week you connect your fully charged AirPods Pro to your iPhone and leave them be for a few hours.
As for mine, I can only say that a few days later I checked the firmware version and saw this:
As you can see, without notifying me the iPhone updated the firmware from 2B588 to 2D15. Do I hear anything different? No. Still, always good to be running on the very latest firmware and now you at least know how to check.
Pro Tip: I’ve been writing about the Apple iPhone since day one, when the iPhone 1 was released. Please check out my quite extensive iPhone help area for hundreds of useful tutorials and tips!