Like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices, the Apple AirPods Pro, Max, and other truly wireless devices also receive updates. Recently, after the iOS 15 update, the AirPods also have a shiny new update. Below you will find ways to identify or check for updates for your AirPods device.
How to Check for AirPods Updates?
Head to Settings on your iPhone or iPad > Bluetooth > Tap (i) next to your AirPods’ name > Look at Firmware Version.
Currently the latest version for AirPods are:
- AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max – 4A400
- Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats 4, Powerbeats Pro – 4A394
Unlike software updates on other Apple products like iPhones, iPad, Macs, and Watch Series, the AirPods don’t outright display if a new software update is available. They usually automatically update over time; the only way to do it manually by putting your AirPods and iPhone close together and praying it works.
Since Apple does not provide release notes for AirPods updates, it’s difficult to know what exactly they offer until users themselves notice the difference. Still, here’s a look at the one feature we do know about.
New Find My Features For AirPods Pro and Max Devices
After the recent firmware update, the Apple AirPods Pro and Max models can now be tracked on the Find My app. Similar to the AirTags, the AirPods can now be searched using a paired iPhone. However, unlike Apple’s item tracking device, the AirPods do not get the directional feature display on the iPhone’s screen; rather, a blue animation fills up the screen if the AirPods get closer.
Moreover, the Find My app will send a notification if you leave your AirPods behind. Since the current AirPods Pro and Max models do not have the AirTag’s U1 chip that helps other iPhones notify a user about lost items over long distances, the AirPods will only send a signal nearby.
Besides this, the AirPods Pro has also received the Conversation Boost feature Apple displayed at the WWDC this year. The feature allows the listener to boost the voice of the person in front of them to be able to hear them better, and reduce ambient sounds. To enable this, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations > Transparency Mode, and turn Conversation Boost on.
The new features on the AirPods Pro and Max devices can be a lifesaver, particularly in helping find the Pro device while misplaced at home or the workspace. Unfortunately, these updated features are not available on the regular AirPods. How I would have especially loved to have proximity finding on my AirPods 2 so I wouldn’t have had to search my whole room before the daily team meeting. However, chances are the AirPods 3 might debut soon with the new Find My features, amongst others.
