Apple has long maintained a silent approach to AirPods firmware updates, with installations happening quietly in the background. However, for the first time, the company has officially outlined a method users can follow to manually expedite the update process.
This revelation marks a shift for Apple, which has historically embraced a “set it and forget it” philosophy. The new instructions, published in Apple’s support documents, provide a step-by-step guide for updating firmware on AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. While this guidance answers some long-standing user questions, it also fuels debates about whether this method is truly user-friendly.
From Mystery to Method
Previously, Apple’s AirPods update process operated entirely behind the scenes, aligning with the company’s mantra, “It just works.” Unlike iPhones, iPads, or Macs, where users can manually initiate software updates, AirPods lacked any visible update mechanism. This led to frustration among power users eager to access new features or beta updates as soon as they were available.
Despite growing public curiosity and repeated inquiries, Apple refrained from providing a concrete solution—until now.
No “Update” Button in Sight
Apple’s official method doesn’t include the convenience of a classic “Update” button in the iPhone’s settings menu. Instead, the process requires a bit of time and patience from users. According to media reports, Apple uses specialized tools in its own facilities for firmware updates, but a simplified method is now available for everyone.
To initiate the update, users must follow these steps:
- Ensure the AirPods are within Bluetooth range of a connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac that has access to Wi-Fi.
- Place the AirPods into their charging case and close the lid.
- Connect the charging case to a power source using a USB cable. This could be a wall adapter or a USB port on a compatible device.
- Allow the closed case to remain connected for at least 30 minutes.
Once this period has passed, users should open the case and reconnect the AirPods to their device to confirm that the firmware has been updated. The firmware version can be checked through the device’s Bluetooth settings.
User Experience Under Scrutiny
While this official process provides some clarity, it doesn’t fully address concerns about convenience. The lack of a dedicated update button continues to be a point of contention for users who expect straightforward solutions from Apple.
Still, the move to publish detailed instructions is a welcome step, signaling Apple’s acknowledgment of user demand for more transparency. Whether this method satisfies the tech-savvy crowd remains to be seen, but it at least opens the door for further improvements to the AirPods user experience.
