Apple releases new firmware for second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro

AppleInsider · April 28, 2021 6:09PM

Apple released new firmware for the AirPods Pro and second-generation AirPods on Wednesday, with build number 3E751 now available to download and install.

New firmware is available for the AirPods and AirPods Pro

The update replaces the previously available firmware, build number 3A283 for both models. This marks the sixth firmware update Apple has issued for the AirPods Pro since launch.

Apple hasn't provided any details for this update, but it may address issues with the automatic device switching feature. The update may also include compatibility with the new 24-inch iMac and iPad Pros. The update was first spotted by MacRumors.

The new firmware is installed automatically for users, with no mechanism on offer to manually force an update to take place. So long as the AirPods or AirPods Pro are in the charging case and connected to an iOS device, the firmware will install by itself.

AirPods users can check the current firmware for their audio accessories within the Settings app, selecting General, then About, then select their device from the menu.

libertyforall · April 28, 2021 7:22PM

Apple should provide release notes...

caladanian · April 28, 2021 8:50PM

libertyforall said:

Apple should provide release notes...

Yes. And a button „update now“ within settings. Automatic updates are fine, but should not be mandatory – without a chance to trigger them manually

caladanian · April 28, 2021 9:13PM

It just doesn't work.

caladanian · April 28, 2021 9:33PM

Finally! After playing music, putting them back and waiting. XD

nostromo1965 · April 28, 2021 9:44PM

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

elijahg · April 28, 2021 10:51PM

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

It takes about 10 seconds to re-pair the devices. It's not a huge deal. Do you think Apple should release an updater for the 0.1% of people that use AirPods on Android devices too? No reason they couldn't update when connected solely to a Mac, maybe they do: I don't suppose anyone has tried.

spheric · April 28, 2021 11:05PM

I just opened the case, they showed up on the iPhone, and about twenty seconds later, the firmware shown in system settings changed to the new one.

Not really a big deal…?

StrangeDays · April 29, 2021 12:06AM

caladanian said:

libertyforall said:

Apple should provide release notes...

Yes. And a button „update now“ within settings. Automatic updates are fine, but should not be mandatory – without a chance to trigger them manually

Weird. I've never performed any updates on any of various pairs of AirPods. They just update in the background and I've never spent a moment thinking about it or what version they are. Just works.

StrangeDays · April 29, 2021 12:10AM

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

I don't think you have that correct. I use one of my pairs with both a Dell work laptop, and with my iOS family of devices. After the initial pairing to iOS, and the initial pairing to the Dell, I don't have to un-pair to switch back and forth between the platforms. To use it in Windows, I right-click the their listing in the Bluetooth screen, and hit Connect or whatever it is, and it switches over from iOS to the Dell. To use it on iOS again I just select it from the AirPlay menu... In effect you can have it paired with two ecosystems at the same time, even if only connected to one of them.

MustSeeUHDTV · April 29, 2021 1:14AM

and still no firmware for PowerBeats Pro..... still at 1.0.0.0.

Japhey · April 29, 2021 2:14AM

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

Sounds like you have a rough 2 minutes ahead of you. Good luck!

nicholfd · April 29, 2021 3:05AM

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

And what a dunce. Get over it.

You don't have to do any of the above. Just use them with any Apple product they are already paired with (iPhone, iPad or MacBook Air). They will eventually update themselves when you put them back in the case, after use.

Wow! Way to go Apple! Great ease of use!

[email protected] · April 29, 2021 4:38AM

My Pro’s haven’t EVER successfully updated, Apple won’t do anything but lie, and I’m within the warranty period. 😒

Gaby · April 29, 2021 7:02AM

[email protected] said:

My Pro’s haven’t EVER successfully updated, Apple won’t do anything but lie, and I’m within the warranty period. ߘ⦬t;/div>

Well if they came with and are still on the original firmware I wouldn’t complain as it had the best sound profile and ANC. Although since personalising the sound of mine I’m pretty thrilled with them.

Aside from those first couple of updates, there hasn’t been any real benefit to the updates save for bug fixes etc. If you’re fortunate enough not to have suffered any problems then again I wouldn’t worry. If conversely, you do have any issues such as connection, battery or audio problems, then you can get them replaced and they’ll likely come with the latest firmware. I must say though I’m extremely surprised that Apple would not investigate an issue such as yours being as it’s potentially quite a serious matter. I’d be curious to hear exactly what occurred and their response.

leonid491 · April 29, 2021 7:48AM

Mine just won’t update. Tried every trick I can find

spheric · April 29, 2021 10:52AM

leonid491 said:

Mine just won’t update. Tried every trick I can find

Second-Generation AirPods?

crowley · April 29, 2021 11:08AM

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

You could have not done anything and wouldn't have been any the worse for it. From the smidgen of detail it doesn't sound like there's anything in this update for you anyway.

Talk about manufactured outrage.

leonid491 · April 29, 2021 2:08PM

spheric said:

leonid491 said:

Mine just won’t update. Tried every trick I can find

Second-Generation AirPods?

AirPods pro

OutdoorAppDeveloper · April 29, 2021 5:07PM

elijahg said:

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

It takes about 10 seconds to re-pair the devices. It's not a huge deal. Do you think Apple should release an updater for the 0.1% of people that use AirPods on Android devices too? No reason they couldn't update when connected solely to a Mac, maybe they do: I don't suppose anyone has tried.

You head out the door with your AirPods. You put them in miles from home. They don't work. It's a huge deal.

nicholfd · April 29, 2021 5:47PM

OutdoorAppDeveloper said:

elijahg said:

nostromo1965 said:

No way to force an update manually?

What a load of crap.

I have one pair tied to an older non-IOS device, and another tied to a MacBook Air.

So now I have to unpair them both, then pair them (in turn) to an IOS device so they'll update, then UNpair them from THAT device, then re-pair them to their original devices.

WOW! Thanks for the seamless "ease of use" Apple! Way to go!!!!!

It takes about 10 seconds to re-pair the devices. It's not a huge deal. Do you think Apple should release an updater for the 0.1% of people that use AirPods on Android devices too? No reason they couldn't update when connected solely to a Mac, maybe they do: I don't suppose anyone has tried.

You head out the door with your AirPods. You put them in miles from home. They don't work. It's a huge deal.

What does "updating" AirPods have to do with them not working? You don't HAVE to have the update. They work just the same with or without it. And as long as they are paired with an Apple product (iPhone, iPad or Mac), they will update when they are ready. It's a non-issue. Just forget about it.

Apple releases new firmware for second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro

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