AirPods and Beats Firmware Updates Address Important Security Issue

While Apple's release notes for AirPods firmware typically offer few details on included changes, the company has published a separate support document outlining a security issue that was fixed in today's firmware updates for AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro.

AirPods 3 Pro 2 and Max New Firmware
According to the document, today's firmware updates address a security issue that could have allowed an attacker within Bluetooth range to spoof the details of a device you've previously connected your headphones to, allowing the attacker to gain access to your headphones.

Apple usually mentions in its support documents if a security issue is known to have been exploited in the wild, but the company has not indicated that this is the case with this issue. Still, it's a good idea to update the firmware on your headphones as soon as possible as others could be inspired to attempt to replicate an exploit of the issue now that its existence has been publicized.

There is no straightforward mechanism for initiating a firmware update for AirPods and Beats headphones, with Apple simply stating that the updates are "automatically delivered while your headphones are paired with and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac."

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Max, AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

CraigJDuffy Avatar
9 months ago
“it's a good idea to update the firmware on your headphones as soon as possible”

“There is no straightforward mechanism for initiating a firmware update”
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
flexwithmarius Avatar
9 months ago
Need to update ASAP. Can’t have someone tap into my top secret gangsta rap gym playlist.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
9 months ago
Security issues…. for headphones?

Sure be nice to have an “update firmware” button :(
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FlyingToasterStrudel Avatar
9 months ago
In other words, someone could eavesdrop on your private conversations.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gco212 Avatar
9 months ago
Apple really needs to allow users to force an update for these products, as well as the ability to update the firmware using a PC.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
szw-mapple fan Avatar
9 months ago
Only Apple is allowed to pump unauthorized U2 albums into your ears.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)