Apple Seeds New AirPods Pro 3 Beta Firmware Before iOS 26.1

Apple has just rolled out a fresh beta firmware update for several of its popular wireless earbuds, signaling ongoing refinements ahead of a broader public release. This latest development follows closely on the heels of a general firmware rollout earlier in the week, highlighting the company’s rapid iteration cycle for its audio products.

On Tuesday, Apple made firmware build 8A358 available for the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. According to the company’s official release notes, the update focused primarily on bug fixes and other improvements, a common description for minor stability and performance enhancements.

Now, just two days later, a new beta firmware labeled build 8B5014c has been distributed to testers. This beta version is also compatible with the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. It is widely anticipated that this beta firmware will transition to a public release later this month, coinciding with the expected launch of iOS 26.1.

The upcoming iOS 26.1 update is set to bring a significant upgrade to AirPods Live Translation, expanding its capabilities considerably. The feature will grow from supporting six languages to a total of eleven, greatly increasing its utility for international travelers and multilingual users.

Beta firmware allows Apple to conduct real-world testing with a limited group of users before a full public launch. This process helps identify and resolve any potential bugs or performance issues, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone once the update is widely available.

Have you tried installing the latest AirPods beta firmware on your devices? If you have, we would love to hear about any new features or changes you’ve noticed. Please share your observations in the comments section below.

(Source: 9to5 Mac)