Apple has been releasing a lot of AirPods Pro 2 firmware updates lately, but not so much for other models of the brand’s audio products. For that reason, owners of the AirPods 3 might want to know that there’s a new firmware update available for their headphones.
Just this week, Apple launched AirPods 3 firmware version 6A317, which is up from the previous firmware of 6A300 that was released three months ago in September.
Citing Apple’s “About firmware updates for AirPods” web page, firmware 6A317 for the AirPods 3 brings “bug fixes and other improvements” to the table.
In typical Apple fashion, these notes are vague and don’t give users any basis to self-verify if bugs were indeed fixed or not. These vague bug fixes could be as minor as tweaking the noise cancellation algorithm or as major as fixing Bluetooth connectivity bugs. We’ll never actually know unless Apple tells us.
Anyone who might be curious to know if their AirPods 3 firmware is up to date can check by visiting Settings → Bluetooth and and tapping on the information (i) button next to your AirPods 3 in the list. The page that ensues will display the current firmware on your AirPods 3:
Please note that there is no way to force AirPods 3 firmware to update, as it happens automatically when certain conditions are met, such as:
- AirPods 3 are charging
- AirPods 3 are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is in range of a connected Wi-Fi network
The aforementioned criteria are necessary because the host device needs to be connected to the internet to download the firmware update and then your AirPods 3 need to be in Bluetooth range of that device in order for the device to upload it to your AirPods 3. Being connected to a charger ensures that the software update process won’t be interrupted.
It’s possible to have your AirPods 3 firmware updated at an Apple Store if you want to make the trek out to one, but that seems like a lot of effort for a vague bug fix update. Unfortunately for Android users who don’t have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, visiting an Apple Store is the only way to update their AirPods firmware.
Have your AirPods 3 updated to the latest firmware version yet? Be sure to let us know in the comments section down below.