AirPods Pro and AirPods Max get Find My integration with latest firmware update

AppleInsider

Apple's latest firmware update for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max delivers enhanced support for the company's Find My app and accompanying search network, a hotly anticipated feature initially scheduled to debut in September.

Source: Twitter user barismx

Pushed out earlier today, the new firmware brings AirPods Pro and AirPods Max devices into the Find My fold, allowing users to view their location, apply Lost Mode options and locate lost hardware via Find Nearby. The new capabilities are outlined in a recently updated support document.

Unlike AirTag, which integrates an Ultra Wideband chip for precision finding, compatible AirPods models rely solely on Bluetooth signals to communicate with nearby Apple devices for discovery purposes. Users can expect to see an AirPods' general location when searching for the device on the Find My app's map, while Find Nearby offers a more exact -- but still rough when compared to AirTag -- estimate when it is in relatively close proximity to a host iPhone.

As noted by users on Twitter and other social media websites, the Find Nearby interface is largely similar to the layout applied to AirTag, with a large "target" dot that decreases in size when a user gets closer to AirPods. Instead of AirTag's green dot, AirPods features a blue graphic and lacks a distance to target readout.

Separation alerts are now supported, meaning users can elect to receive a notification if they accidentally leave their AirPods behind.

Owners can also mark compatible models as lost and choose to display contact information or a custom message if it is paired with another iOS device. Notifications can be received when the headphones are found.

The firmware update issued today is automatically downloaded and installed when AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are connected to a host device. There is no method of manual installation.

AirPods' new Find My capabilities were initially expected to roll out with iOS 15 last month, but Apple delayed the release without explanation.

Read on AppleInsider

dk49

I got the update on my Airpods Pro and I didn't notice any performance improvements, including noise cancellation.

Japhey

It wasn’t really explained, or I didn’t see it, but if anyone wants to use Conversation Boost, this is how to turn it on:

1)Accessibility 
2)AirPods 
3)Audio Accessibility Settings 
4)Headphone Accommodations 

5) Transparency Mode (Make sure “Custom Transparency Mode” is toggled on)
6)Conversation Boost (toggle is near the bottom of the screen…turn on)

Now you can quickly access it along with a few extra new features under the Hearing button in the Control Center, including the ability to adjust Transparency Mode Amplification on the fly without having to dig through the settings (finally!).

Hope this helps someone. 

caladanian

Which firmware is the newest? Mine is on 3E751

caladanian

Apparently the new version is 4A400 as I read, but it's not installed, yet. Sigh. The "automatic" update prosess is NOT reliable and frustrating.

spinch

I am having problems updating the firmware for my AirPods Pro. My current version is 3E751. I’ve tried all night to update the firmware. But no effect. I’ve tried contacting apple support. They said 3E751 is current released firmware. Could it be possible it is a rolling firmware and not every one is receiving the update.

fred1

After about an hour of my AirPods Pro sitting next to and connected to my iPhone connected to the internet, I still show Version 3E751. But Find My works with my AirPods Pro.
Hmmmm.

HeliBum

Does this work with the AirPods Pro in the case and the case closed? It's been a while since I've had to locate my AirPods Pro, but as I recall, they couldn't be located unless the case was open or the pods were out of the case.

slevit1

HeliBum said:

Does this work with the AirPods Pro in the case and the case closed? It's been a while since I've had to locate my AirPods Pro, but as I recall, they couldn't be located unless the case was open or the pods were out of the case.

So far, im having inconsistent results. When I first saw the update was out, I opened my AirPods settings and saw they had been updated yesterday. However, although they were not far away, they were showing off-line and last seen at my work. I went out to my car and got them, took them out of the case, tested the new features, and then put them back in the case. They’re currently in the case, but they’re still showing up in the find my app, and I’m able to locate them and play a sound. We’ll see how long the connection holds. 

The new Find My support article, linked in the Apple insider article above, makes no mention of the case, or specifically limitations when they’re in the case. The older support article about specifically using find my with the AirPods mentions that they won’t update while in the case, but that article has not been recently updated. 

fred1

HeliBum said:

Does this work with the AirPods Pro in the case and the case closed? It's been a while since I've had to locate my AirPods Pro, but as I recall, they couldn't be located unless the case was open or the pods were out of the case.

It worked yesterday with the case open, but today with the case closed it still shows yesterday’s location. 

slevit1

fred1 said:

HeliBum said:

Does this work with the AirPods Pro in the case and the case closed? It's been a while since I've had to locate my AirPods Pro, but as I recall, they couldn't be located unless the case was open or the pods were out of the case.

It worked yesterday with the case open, but today with the case closed it still shows yesterday’s location. 

Are you sure you have the newest firmware? I’ve been playing with it all day today and it’s definitely now working with the case closed. It’s continually updating the location (when in range of an iOS device), allows me to play a sound to find it (although very quiet), and activate lost mode - all while they’re in the case!

HeliBum

slevit1 said:

I’ve been playing with it all day today and it’s definitely now working with the case closed. It’s continually updating the location (when in range of an iOS device), allows me to play a sound to find it (although very quiet), and activate lost mode - all while they’re in the case!

I hope so. 99% of the times when I can't locate my AirPods Pro, they're in the case and, previously, that meant adding a cover with an AirTag or Tile attached to find them.

Mac512user

Love this feature for my Airbuds! Now if only Apple would add the Pencil to the Find My app, then we’re gettin somewhere! 🙄