Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 2 Firmware With Support for iOS 18 Features

Apple today released a new firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, including both the Lightning and USB-C versions. The firmware has a build number of 7A294, up from 6F8, and it is available for all ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 users. Apple has been beta testing this update, but it is launching ahead of when iOS 18 becomes available next Monday.

airpods pro 2 pink
There are multiple features that Apple is adding to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 as part of ‌iOS 18‌, and these features are included in the firmware update.

With head gestures, users can control Siri on the ‌AirPods Pro‌ with a shake or a nod of the head. If you get a phone call, for example, you can shake your head no if you don't want to answer it, or nod to accept the call. ‌Siri‌ interactions can be used for responding to incoming messages, calls, and notifications.

Apple is adding Voice Isolation to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ to cut down on loud background sounds to make you easier to hear, and there is a new Personalized Spatial Audio feature specific to gaming. Game developers will be able to incorporate spatial audio into their games for a more immersive audio experience.

Apple doesn't have a way to manually upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air when the AirPods are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device or Mac.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Jdizzle188 Avatar
15 weeks ago
Let the updating rituals begin!

Balance on one leg.
Thank Tim for releasing this update.
Shake your magic 8 ball.
Refrain from expressing your disappointment at yesterday's AirPods Max refresh.

Who knows....
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
-Gonzo- Avatar
15 weeks ago

I think my lightning case got updated to 65.3.0 from 54.xx I believe. But my Airpods are still stuck on 6F8. Anyone elses case get updated?

My case also shows 65.3.0 but stuck on 6F8
My lightning case is 70.88.0



Attachment Image
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jashar7 Avatar
15 weeks ago

So how do you have the AirPods in its charging case and connected at the same time? I can’t get it to connect while in a case?
Just use them as you normally use listen to music for like 30 seconds and just put them back into charge, plug the charger and let them sit alongside iPhone they should update or if you have a Mac it’s even easier you just plug them straight into the cable and they update.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NightFox Avatar
15 weeks ago

Does this actually work? I remember this was a way to update the firmware of a MagSafe puck....attach it to an iPad or Mac USB-C port. Does it work for AirPods?
Wait, what? MagSafe chargers have firmware updates? What a time to be alive!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jarman92 Avatar
15 weeks ago

Sorry. In all the years I’ve been on here that has never been suggested.
Because it doesn't work ?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stiille Avatar
15 weeks ago

I still wonder what's the difference between the previous Voice Isolation (which has been available for quite a while now) and the "new" Voice Isolation that's coming with this new firmware.

If you noticed, that article you linked was published in March and I already had voice isolation before. It was just working very badly. Maybe it's just improved?
It’s now implemented into the AirPods Pro directly, not on the phone, that’s the difference
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)