How does Apple update the firmware on the AirPods Max or AirPods Pro?

[Julien]

How does Apple update the firmware on the AirPods Max? Since there is no app does it happen wirelessly or must it be plugged into a Mac? Is there an indicator of a firmware version or update. Do the AirPods Pro have firmware updates?

Been watching several reviews and a few software issues and bugs could use some fine tuning or changing.

Seems like it would have been a good idea and extra selling point to offer an App with them.

 

[Diskutant]

They get updated via iPhone automagically. To the user it's completely invisible. The exact process is unknown though.
You can see the firmware version on the iPhone in the settings when the AirPods are connected.

 

[bttrdg]

I think a separate app for an accessory thats main purpose is nothing visual would be a bad idea. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are ‘managed’ within the system Bluetooth settings, which is the most intuitive place for them to live. Apple are trying to make these complimentary devices as easy to use as possible, that’s why updates are automatic and over-the-air. The simplicity of AirPods and the setup process (with minimal management) is what makes them so appealing.

 

[macnmac]

OTA!

 

[jclardy]

"magic" - meaning if you want the latest update, you will spend hours trying to force it to do so, but if you don't care they will update while plugged into power while near a connected device (iPhone/iPad.)

 

[ruslan120]

“It just works.”

I have an Apple conspiracy theory that this was one of Jobs’ ideas that he wrote down a while ago.
- just works
- minimalist, wireless yet great quality
- minimal user input required
- Apple assigning some significance to the fact that it’s been worked on for such a while

 

[sotie]

I never thought about this before because I'm completely in the Apple ecosystem but what about Android users? Will airpods update when connected to Android devices?

 

[Runs For Fun]

I never thought about this before because I'm completely in the Apple ecosystem but what about Android users? Will airpods update when connected to Android devices?

I believe on Android there is actually a separate app for updating the firmware.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

It needs to be paired with a compatible device running the correct version of iOS.

I bought AirPods Pro in November 2019 and their factory firmware didn't update because I stayed with iOS 12 on my iPhone XS. In August of this year, I upgraded to iOS 13 and AirPods Pro finally updated to the latest firmware.

 

[westerlu77]

I’m wondering if they will be improved as time goes by with firmware updates coming years? Both sound wise and features. What do you think?

 

[Runs For Fun]

I’m wondering if they will be improved as time goes by with firmware updates coming years? Both sound wise and features. What do you think?

That’s kind of the whole point of firmware updates.

 

[whiteashsaturday]

I am.. at a loss. I have had the Max's for 8 days, and this afternoon/yesterday plugged them in to charge, and 15 min later, they would no longer reconnect to my Big Sur Mac, nor my phone. Nothing seemed to work. Following a "repairing" process they would never flash white. Doing a factory reset, never followed by a white flashing light. Plugging them in, and doing the combo would flash a white light, but only so long as you press the NC button, still no pairing request or visibility. Apple is requesting that I send it in for repair. If this is Firmware related, they just ruined a great experience. New user to the device, enjoying it more than expected as it just worked perfectly. Then.. bam, dead as a door nail. Now I must wait 10+ days for them to check it. I'll report back.

 

[whiteashsaturday]

I am.. at a loss. I have had the Max's for 8 days, and this afternoon/yesterday plugged them in to charge, and 15 min later, they would no longer reconnect to my Big Sur Mac, nor my phone. Nothing seemed to work. Following a "repairing" process they would never flash white. Doing a factory reset, never followed by a white flashing light. Plugging them in, and doing the combo would flash a white light, but only so long as you press the NC button, still no pairing request or visibility. Apple is requesting that I send it in for repair. If this is Firmware related, they just ruined a great experience. New user to the device, enjoying it more than expected as it just worked perfectly. Then.. bam, dead as a door nail. Now I must wait 10+ days for them to check it. I'll report back.

MY WORK!!!

I began just wearing mine over my AirPods pros to get some noise blocking. After two days of doing this, all of a sudden the Max's Noice Cancelling just "swip" turned on.

They have been non-responsive from Tuesday at 2pm - Friday at 7pm.. Apple already has a recall order for mine, now I am unsure if I should send them in or push my luck with them working now.

The only thing I think I may have done was attempt to do the factory reset one more time, but this time just held the buttons down for about 5min while doing something. They still showed now signs of reconnect until today.

So thanks for giving me the idea that the Max's might just "come back".

 

[Geohord]

Leave the AirPods Pro inside the case open, charging to wall. Connect to bt. Then after an hour use them for another hour. Will update automatically.