Apple Rolls Out New Beta Firmware for Latest AirPods Models
▼ Summary
– Apple released new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 with build number 8B5014c.
– The firmware is currently limited to developers and likely adds Live Translation support for Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese languages.
– This release coincides with Apple testing the iOS 26.1 update.
– Beta firmware can be installed directly from AirPods settings on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe devices.
– Developers can enable beta downloads through the beta option in the AirPods settings interface.
Apple has made a new beta firmware available for developers, specifically targeting the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. This release, identified by build number 8B5014c, is currently accessible only to registered developers and is not yet available for public download. The update aligns with Apple’s ongoing testing of the iOS 26.1 update, suggesting a coordinated software enhancement across its ecosystem.
A key feature expected with this firmware is expanded support for the Live Translation functionality. The update is anticipated to introduce compatibility with several new languages, broadening the tool’s usability for a global audience. The languages rumored to be included are Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese, covering both Traditional and Simplified Mandarin dialects. This enhancement would allow users to experience near real-time translation directly through their AirPods during conversations.
The process for installing these beta updates has been streamlined in recent operating system versions. For users running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe, a dedicated option to install beta firmware is now integrated directly into the AirPods settings menu. This menu appears whenever the compatible AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, making the beta testing procedure more straightforward for participants.
Developers who wish to participate in this testing phase can enable the feature by navigating to the settings and activating the beta downloads option. This grants them early access to new features and allows them to provide feedback before a wider public rollout.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
