AirPods Pro 3 Get New Firmware Update
▼ Summary
– Apple has released new, unique firmware builds for AirPods Pro 3 (8B30) and AirPods Pro 2 (8B28), ahead of the upcoming iOS 26.2 launch.
– The specific improvements for these updates are not yet detailed, as Apple’s firmware webpage currently only lists the previous builds.
– These firmware updates may include more than just standard bug fixes, potentially aligning with new features in iOS 26.2 like expanded AirPods Live Translation.
– Updating AirPods firmware is not a direct process; it requires the AirPods to be connected, charged, and left idle near a compatible device for at least 30 minutes.
– Users must manually check the firmware version after the waiting period to confirm the update was successfully installed.
Apple has rolled out fresh firmware updates for both the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods Pro 2, coinciding with the imminent public release of iOS 26.2. These updates arrive as distinct builds for each model, a departure from Apple’s typical practice of distributing identical firmware across multiple AirPods generations. The new software aims to enhance performance and stability, though specific details on improvements are still forthcoming from the company.
The AirPods Pro 3 now moves to firmware build 8B30, an upgrade from the prior 8B25 version. Simultaneously, the AirPods Pro 2 receives update 8B28, replacing the older 8B21 build. Apple’s official support page for AirPods firmware has not yet been refreshed to outline the changes in these releases, currently still listing the previous versions. Historically, such updates are accompanied by generic notes about bug fixes and general improvements. However, given their timing just before the iOS 26.2 rollout, there is speculation that more significant enhancements might be detailed soon. iOS 26.2 is already confirmed to extend AirPods Live Translation functionality to users within the European Union, suggesting these firmware updates could be preparatory.
Updating your AirPods firmware is not as direct as installing an app update on your phone. The process is automatic but requires specific conditions to trigger. To ensure a successful update, follow these steps. First, confirm that your paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest available version of its operating system and that Bluetooth is enabled. Your AirPods must be connected to this device via Bluetooth. Next, connect your host device to a Wi-Fi network and plug your AirPods charging case into a power source. Place the AirPods inside the case and close the lid. Leave the case closed and keep it within Bluetooth range of your device for at least thirty minutes to allow the update to proceed in the background. Finally, open the case lid to reconnect and verify the new firmware version in your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Have you received the latest firmware for your AirPods? Users are encouraged to check their current version and report any noticeable changes in performance, connectivity, or new features they might observe after the update.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
