Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4

Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4

Apple has rolled out a new developer beta firmware for its latest AirPods lineup. The update—build 8B5034f—is now available for:

  • AirPods Pro 3
  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
  • AirPods 4

The release comes shortly after Apple pushed public firmware 8B34 for the AirPods Pro 3.

https://reviewed-com-res.cloudinary.com/image/fetch/s--AQL4FCsN--/b_white%2Cc_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cf_auto%2Cfl_progressive.strip_profile%2Cg_center%2Cq_auto%2Cw_792/https%3A//reviewed-production.s3.amazonaws.com/attachment/bd408fc1586a41f4/6-AirPods-Pro-2-Battery-Boost.jpg
https://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/1/as-images.apple.com/is/airpods-4-anc-select-202409_FMT_WHH?.v=1725502639798&fmt=jpeg&hei=636&qlt=90&wid=752

Source: iClarified

What’s New? Apple Isn’t Saying (Yet)

As is typical with AirPods beta releases, Apple hasn’t published detailed release notes. However, the timing is interesting.

Code discovered late last year pointed to potential spring 2026 features, including:

  • Visual Lookup integration
  • Improved outdoor location awareness

It’s not yet clear whether any of these capabilities are active in the current beta build.

How to Install the AirPods Beta Firmware

If you’re running iOS 26 beta or later, you can opt into AirPods beta updates:

  • Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad
  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth
  • Tap the (i) next to your AirPods
  • Scroll to AirPods Beta Updates
  • Toggle the feature on

Once enabled, the firmware will install automatically when your AirPods are charging and near your device.

Current Pricing Snapshot

If you’re considering an upgrade:

  • AirPods Pro 3 are currently around $209.99
  • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are about $139.99

What to Watch For

While this beta looks minor on the surface, Apple often uses these firmware cycles to quietly prepare new features ahead of major iOS releases.

With spring 2026 updates on the horizon, developers will be watching closely to see whether Visual Lookup, smarter location awareness, or other Apple Intelligence tie-ins begin to surface in upcoming builds.

If you want, I can also explain whether installing AirPods beta firmware is worth it for your use case (especially if you rely on them daily for business or content creation).

Back to blog