Are you still using a pair of Apple’s original AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation)? If you answered yes to that question, then you may want to be aware of new software updates that Apple released on Tuesday for each of these last-gen wireless earbuds.
Citing Apple’s “About firmware updates for AirPods” web page, the latest software update for the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods (2nd generation) is now version 6A321 – that is the same firmware that Apple pushed for the AirPods (3rd generation) just last week.
Apple has been regularly pushing updates to its AirPods lineup over the past several months, but it’s rare of the company to disclose what’s new in those firmware updates. Just like several previous updates to the company’s wireless earbuds, the change log for 6A321 simply reads “Bug fixes and other improvements.”
While we don’t know exactly what Apple is changing in these software updates, one can presume that it may have something to do with something such as audio quality, Bluetooth connectivity, feature reliability, or device stability, among other things.
For the most part, AirPods are not buggy pieces of equipment, so it’s difficult to put into perspective what kinds of things Apple might be fixing with these small software updates, but it’s worth noting that Apple released major firmware updates for its iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs this week, so it’s possible that they improve inter-operability with these devices.
If you aren’t sure how to check what firmware your AirPods or AirPods Pro are running, it’s easy. Just connect them to your iPhone or iPad and then navigate to Settings → Bluetooth and tap on the information (i) button beside your device in the device list.
As you can see in the screenshot examples above, the firmware version your device is running will appear in the Version field.
Apple doesn’t offer a way for users to force software updates of their AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware since the process is fully automatic, but you can help set the right mood for the software update to happen on its own by ensuring that the below conditions are met:
- AirPods must be charging
- AirPods must be in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac must be in range of a connected Wi-Fi network
Assuming these bug fix updates are important to you, if you can’t get the software update to happen on its own, you can always take them to an Apple Store to have the firmware updated, and in fact, this is one of the only ways that an Android user who doesn’t own any other Apple devices would be able to update their AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware (not that they would drive out of their way for something that is seemingly so petty).
Have your original AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation) received their latest software update yet? Let us know in the comments section down below.