A new beta firmware update is available for select AirPods models.
A new beta firmware has been released for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, although no details about its contents are currently available.
Following Wednesday’s public release of iOS 26.3, Apple has deployed new beta firmware for select AirPods and AirPods Pro models. Thursday’s developer beta raises the build number to 8B5034f, up from previous releases like the 8A5308b update.
This software beta is available for AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3. The software will not be available for AirPods Max or devices other than the H2.
All Apple devices and platforms, including AirPods, regularly receive firmware updates for developer testing. While beta updates for Apple’s mobile and desktop operating systems are released much more frequently, developers still rely on beta software for AirPods to test new features before launch.
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple revealed several new features for the AirPods and AirPods Pro models. This includes camera controls and improved CarPlay pass-through, along with a new voice isolation mode powered by the H2 chip.
How to install beta firmware on your AirPods
Apple made iOS and macOS beta versions relatively easy to download and install, and now it’s the same with AirPods firmware updates.
Starting with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, AirPods users can opt for beta firmware updates when the headphones are first connected to an iPhone or Mac.
To enable beta firmware updates, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on iPhone or System Settings on Mac
- At the top of the screen, select your AirPods
- Scroll down and switch AirPods Beta Update
To install the developer beta updates, you’ll need to place your AirPods in their case, make sure they’re connected to power, and within Bluetooth range of your iPhone.