Rumor

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

MacRumors • Tue, 29 Sep 2026

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 , AirPods 4, AirPods 5 , and AirPods Max 2 . The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad , or Mac running iOS 26 , iPadOS 26 , or macOS 26 or later, there is a beta firmware option that can be accessed in the AirPods settings interface. Toggling on beta updates allows users to install the beta firmware. Firmware updates can then be downloaded by connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and connecting them to power. It can take a few hours for new firmware to be installed because there is no software update option like there is for other Apple devices. Related Roundup: AirPods 5 Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now) Related Forum: AirPods This article, " Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

What happened?

Story details

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 , AirPods 4, AirPods 5 , and AirPods Max 2 .

The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers.

There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases.

Why it matters

This page keeps Apple rumors separate from official updates, so readers can follow early reports without confusing them with confirmed announcements.

Original source

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/29/apple-releases-new-airpods-beta-firmware-september/

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