Apple Releases New Beta Firmware For AirPods Pro 2 Ahead Of IOS 18 Launch

Apple has released the latest beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 users (photo: x @MikeOBrienn)

JAKARTA - Apple has released the latest beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 users on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The Firmware is specially designed for users running iOS 18 beta on their iPhone or iPad. This update brings a number of new features, including the ability to use head gestures.

This latest beta Firmware is version 7,0,290 (7A5290a), which replaced the previous version, 7A5266c, which was released last week. While Apple doesn't provide release records for the beta AirPods firmware, most likely this update includes the final adjustments to new features that will launch alongside iOS 18 this fall.

One of the exciting new features is support for head gestures on AirPods Pro 2, which allows users to receive or reject calls by shaking their heads only when using AirPods. In addition, this new firmware also enhances noise isolation in noisy environments and optimizes Custom Spatial Audio for a more immersive gaming experience. This beta Firmware is only available for AirPods Pro 2, as this model supports these new features.

The AirPods firmware update process cannot be done manually and tends to be invisible to users. If your AirPods are already running beta firmware, the update will be automatically downloaded when paired with an iPhone connected to the internet.

For users who want to install beta firmware on AirPods for the first time, a 16 beta Xcode download is required to enable the Developer menu on iPhone or iPad. After that, you will find the option to install beta firmware on AirPods. Of course, you need iOS 18 to take advantage of new features on AirPods.