Apple reveals the secret to updating every AirPods model – and it's easier than you think

The process for updating your Apple AirPods has always seemed clouded in mystery. Somehow, you were supposed to just leave them alone and hope they would magically receive the latest update. Now, Apple has finally cleared up some of the confusion by offering specific steps for updating each model of AirPods.

In a freshly revised support page spotted by a MacRumors writer posting on X, Apple explains how to update AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. The process isn’t quite so mysterious after all.

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First, you’ll want to check the current firmware on your AirPods. To do this from an iPhone or iPad, head to Settings, select Bluetooth, and then tap the Info icon next to the name of your AirPods. The About section displays the version number for you to check against Apple’s list, as indicated below:

• AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 7B21
• AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 7B21
• AirPods Pro 1: 6F21
• AirPods 4: 7B20
• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: 7B20
• AirPods 3: 6F21
• AirPods 2: 6F21
• AirPods 1: 6.8.8
• AirPods Max (USB-C): 7A291
• AirPods Max (Lightning): 6F21

If your AirPods aren’t up to date, the process for updating them differs slightly between AirPods/AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

How to update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware

To update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware, place them in their charging case, make sure they are connected to a Wi-Fi network, and leave them charging for at least 30 minutes before reconnecting and checking the firmware version.

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1. Make sure your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
3. Plug the charging cable into your case and then plug the other end into a USB charger or port. 
4. Keep the lid of the case closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
5. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Check the firmware version again.

How to update your AirPods Max firmware

To update your AirPods Max firmware, connect them to a charger, wait for at least 30 minutes, then reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and check the firmware version.

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1. Make sure your AirPods Max are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Plug the charging cable into the bottom right earphone and then plug the other end into a USB charger or port.
3. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
4. Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
5. Check the firmware version again.

If you’re still stuck on an older version, you may need to reset your AirPods or AirPods Max and then go through the steps once more.

Though the update process now seems less mysterious, it also feels kludgy. Apple should devise a more exact way to update your AirPods, just as you’re able to update an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and other products. Until then, though, following these steps is your best bet.

How important is it to update your AirPods? 

Most of the firmware updates listed on Apple’s support page just added the usual unspecified bug fixes and other improvements. But a couple have actually introduced useful new features. 

For example, version 7B19 for the AirPods Pro 2 introduced a Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection that iPhone and iPad owners can use to check and help their hearing.