Caleb Qwofi Right
Apple has long maintained that AirPods Firmware updates for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max would occur automatically when the devices are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. This information remains on Apple’s support pages, but the company has now added explicit instructions for users who wish to manually force an update, clarifying a process that was previously somewhat nebulous.
Here’s how Apple now advises users to proceed for an update:
- Ensure Proximity: Make sure your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which should be linked to Wi-Fi.
- Charge and Close: Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
- Cable Connection: Connect the charging case to a power source using a USB cable. Plug the other end into a charger or USB port.
- Wait Time: With the lid closed, allow at least 30 minutes to pass for the firmware to update. This step is new to the documentation and provides a clear time frame for the update process.
- Reconnect: Open the case to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
- Version Check: Check the firmware version to confirm the update has been installed.
- Troubleshooting: If the update doesn’t occur, Apple suggests resetting your AirPods and attempting the update process again.
These steps eliminate the guesswork previously involved in ensuring AirPods receive the latest firmware. This update to Apple’s support documentation reflects an effort to make the update process more user-friendly and transparent for its global customer base, addressing a common point of confusion among users.
