Apple Updates AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max Firmware

Apple today released a new 4C165 firmware update for the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. The second-generation AirPods and ‌AirPods Max‌ were previously running firmware version 4A400. The ‌AirPods Pro‌ previously had 4A402 firmware available, and AirPods 3 were running firmware version 4B66.

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature
Apple does not offer information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.

There is no standard way to upgrade the ‌AirPods‌‌ software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the ‌‌AirPods‌‌ are connected to an iOS device. Putting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ in the case, connecting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to a power source, and then pairing the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌ to your iOS device.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap About.
  • Tap ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌.
  • Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll share details, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.

Popular Stories

New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18

18 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18.2

Wednesday November 13, 2024 2:09 am PST by
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 next month, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls incoming as well....
M4 MacBook Pros Thumb

M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:19 pm PST by
The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film, a change that provides more vibrant, accurate color results. Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn't use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more...
AirPods Crackling Feature

Apple Customers Sue Over Unfixed AirPods Pro Crackling Issue

Wednesday November 13, 2024 11:01 am PST by
A trio of Apple customers this month filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, accusing the Cupertino company of violating California consumer protection laws and false advertising for continuing to sell AirPods Pro models that had ongoing issues with crackling or static sounds. A few months after the AirPods Pro came out in October 2019, buyers began to complain about crackling, rattling, ...
google gemini

Google Releases Standalone Gemini AI App for iPhone

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:54 am PST by
Google has launched its dedicated Gemini artificial intelligence app for iPhone users, expanding beyond the previous limited integration within the main Google app. The standalone app offers enhanced functionality, including support for Gemini Live and iOS-specific features like Dynamic Island integration. The new app allows iPhone users to interact with Google's AI through text or voice...
airtag purple

New AirTag Rumored to Launch in Mid-2025 With These Features

Sunday November 17, 2024 5:18 am PST by
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so it is now three over and a half years old. While the AirTag has not received any hardware updates since then, a new version of the item tracking accessory is rumored to be in development. Below, we recap rumors about a second-generation AirTag. Timing Apple is aiming to release a new AirTag in mid-2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman....

Top Rated Comments

CarlJ Avatar
38 months ago

Thanks for the key tip on 'leave the lid open'. That (lack of) part always confused me on MR's advised method to update, as you can't otherwise 'connect' them to your phone. Mine are still stuck on 4B52, so I'm hoping this works finally.
It also helps if you hop around on your left foot and sing a song about Apple, or so I've heard. I seriously wish Apple would just put an "update firmware" button in the settings for this. 95% of users won't care, and the other 5% will stop having to find a goat to sacrifice to get their firmware updated in a timely manner.
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
38 months ago
And so begins the multi-week game to see your Airpods get the new firmware.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nortonandreev Avatar
38 months ago

It’s time the entire AirPods range had its own app.
Integration within the Settings app would suffice.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Klschmann Avatar
38 months ago
I have been seeing excessive idle case battery drain that just started on my AirPod Pros with the last update, so I'm hoping this update addresses that.

This seems sudden as the last update wasn't that long ago right? Just a few weeks?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
testcard Avatar
38 months ago
It’s time the entire AirPods range had its own app.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
validoj Avatar
38 months ago
I hope this fixed my new AirPods Pro Case battery draining issues ?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)