The process of updating the firmware for Apple’s AirPods wireless headphones has been a mystery. With the release of iOS 16 Beta 5 this week, Apple has made minor changes to the Settings app, which could mean that users will finally be able to at least view details about the new features of the AirPods firmware ……
Users can always check the AirPods firmware version in the Settings app by navigating to the Bluetooth menu and tapping on AirPods in the Accessories list.
As Reddit users first discovered, users can now go a step further and click on the firmware version itself. When clicking on the firmware version, you’ll see the version of the software AirPods are running, as well as the current firmware version of the AirPods charging case.
Users can also find this information by tapping on the new top-level menu for AirPods in the Settings app, rather than going directly to the Bluetooth menu.
Below this information, there is a new explanation: “Firmware details are available at support.apple.com” with a hyperlink. For now, clicking on this link won’t jump you to it, because no article is actually posted on the Apple Support website.
Ideally, this means that when Apple releases a new AirPods firmware update in the future, users will be able to click on the link to see the release notes. As of right now, Apple has never released release notes for an AirPods update, and Reddit users have speculated that this could be similar to the release notes Apple brought to AirTag.
Finally, it could also mean that Apple is preparing a way for users to manually update their AirPods to the new firmware version. Currently, AirPods automatically update in the background when users have their AirPods in the box and near their iPhone, but the trigger is not always timely.
It’s still a small change for now, but it could indicate that Apple is improving the AirPods software update process and making it clear to users what’s new with each firmware update.
