Apple releases new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2
Apple released new beta firmware on June 23, 2026, for multiple AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2, alongside the iOS 27 beta 3 rollout. According to Apple, the update expands testing to both earbud and over-ear devices, aiming to unify the firmware and feature set across its next-generation AirPods lineup.
The beta firmware update, released on June 23, 2026, delivers version 9.0.304 with build number 9A5304b to all supported AirPods models, including the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods (4th generation) with and without active noise cancellation, and the AirPods Max 2, according to Apple’s developer documentation. This marks the first time the AirPods Max 2, Apple’s over-ear flagship model, has been included in the beta firmware program alongside the H2 chip-equipped earbud lineup, expanding the scope of testing beyond the in-ear devices that were previously the exclusive focus during the iOS 26 beta cycle. Earlier beta releases, such as build 8B5034f distributed on February 12, 2026, targeted the AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, and AirPods 4, with a public beta rollout following on February 16, 2026, illustrating Apple’s staged approach to firmware testing.
Access to the beta firmware requires users to pair their AirPods with devices running macOS 27 beta or iOS 27 beta or later, as the “AirPods Beta Updates” toggle only appears on these operating systems, officials said.
On Mac computers with macOS 27 beta, users must navigate to System Settings, select Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the AirPods, and enable the beta updates option. Similarly, on iPhones and iPads running iOS 27 beta, the toggle is accessed via Settings under Bluetooth. Once enabled, the AirPods receive beta firmware automatically when connected to power, within Bluetooth range of the host device, and left idle for approximately 30 minutes, according to Apple support guidelines. The update process for AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, and AirPods 4 involves placing the earbuds in their charging case and connecting the case to power, while the AirPods Max 2 requires connection via Bluetooth and charging through the bottom-right ear cup.
The new beta firmware introduces several features aligned with iOS 27, including a personalized equalizer (EQ) that allows users to fine-tune audio profiles beyond preset options, according to sources familiar with the update. The AirPods settings interface on iPhone has been redesigned to provide more distinct menus and per-model configuration options, encompassing EQ adjustments, Siri behavior, and device-specific controls. For the AirPods Pro 3, the update enhances Precision Finding capabilities for the charging case, enabling more accurate location tracking through compatible Apple devices, including the Apple Watch. Additionally, the beta tests GymKit synchronization, which allows compatible gym equipment to access heart-rate data collected by AirPods Pro 3, expanding the accessory’s role in fitness and health tracking.
Apple’s beta program continues to refine features that depend heavily on the H2 chip architecture, which powers the latest AirPods models. Voice isolation improvements, camera control integration, and enhanced CarPlay hand-off are among the capabilities tied to this chip and are part of the broader ecosystem updates enabled by the firmware, according to internal Apple documentation and developer reports. The inclusion of AirPods Max 2 in the iOS 27 beta firmware cycle, after its exclusion from earlier iOS 26 betas, reflects a deliberate expansion of the testing matrix to cover new hardware generations with their own firmware lineages. Official records show that AirPods Max 2 production firmware currently sits at version 8E258, distinct from earlier AirPods Max models, while AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 stable firmware versions are listed as 8B41.
Apple’s controlled rollout strategy for AirPods beta firmware involves initial developer-only releases followed by public beta availability, as evidenced by the February 2026 release pattern. The standardized “AirPods Beta Updates” setting introduced with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe simplifies access for both developers and public beta testers, eliminating the need for specialized tools or profiles. This approach allows Apple to validate and optimize accessory features in parallel with the host operating systems, ensuring seamless integration upon public release. Users encountering firmware update issues with AirPods Max are advised to reset the device and retry the process, as per Apple’s support instructions.
The ongoing beta firmware development for AirPods aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of co-developing hardware firmware and system software to deliver a unified accessory experience. By synchronizing AirPods firmware updates with major OS betas such as iOS 27 and macOS 27, Apple ensures that new features tied to the H2 chip and next-generation AirPods hardware are fully supported at launch. This coordinated development effort supports the rollout of advanced audio, health, and connectivity features across Apple’s wireless headphone lineup.
