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Apple opens AirPods beta firmware to public testers

Apple has released AirPods beta firmware build 9A5314b to public testers, matching last week’s third developer beta and adding iOS 27 features.

Image: MacRumors

Apple has released a new AirPods beta firmware build for public testers, extending features tied to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate beyond developers.

The new firmware, build 9A5314b, is available for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. According to MacRumors, it is identical to the third developer beta Apple released last week.

With the latest OS betas, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface, a slider for Adaptive mode, and custom EQ support. The earbuds and headphones also work with Apple’s new Siri AI.

Users can access the beta firmware option in the AirPods settings interface when their AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later. Turning on beta updates enables the firmware install process.

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There is still no standard software update screen for AirPods like there is on other Apple devices. To download the firmware, users need to connect their AirPods to an Apple device and place them on power. Even then, installation can take a few hours.

Eli Navarro

Gadgets Editor

Eli is obsessed with the tangible future. He reviews phones, wearables, and everything with a battery. Known for his rigorous testing protocols and unabashed teardowns, Eli has broken more review units than he cares to admit, all in the name of discovering the truth about durability and repairability.

via MacRumors

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