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Apple just released its first AirPods firmware update – here’s how to install it

Published Feb 2nd, 2017 9:14AM EST
AirPods Firmware Update
Image: Jose Sanchez/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Apple’s new AirPods are by far the most talked about headphones that have been released in recent years. Following their unveiling last September, there was a bit of controversy surrounding Apple’s peculiar AirPods design. There were also some manufacturing issues that ended up delaying Apple’s launch from October all the way until December last year. But Apple’s truly wireless earbuds are still next to impossible to find unless you’re willing to pay a premium and buy them on Amazon, and people who have managed to secure a pair love them. In fact, even I love them after having been quite critical of Apple’s design following the AirPods’ unveiling.

If you’re in possession of a pair of Apple’s hot new AirPods, you should know that the company quietly released its first AirPods firmware update last night. Do you know how to check your current AirPods firmware version? Do you know how to install the update? Don’t worry if you answered “no” to either or both of those questions, because we’ve got you covered.

First things first: what is firmware? Without getting too involved, firmware is the software installed on device’s read-only memory that controls how the device functions. While Apple hasn’t released any sort of change log alongside its new AirPods firmware, firmware updates generally help devices perform certain functions more efficiently, so it’s always a good idea to install them.

In the case of Apple’s AirPods, they’re designed in such a way that the firmware update will happen in the background eventually. If you’d rather not wait, however, there’s a simple way to force the firmware update.

First, let’s check to see what firmware version is on your AirPods now. With the AirPods connected to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth, open the Settings app and go to General > About. Now scroll to the bottom of that list and tap on AirPods. If you don’t see AirPods listed there, don’t panic. Simply turn Bluetooth off and back on again, and you should see it now.

ap-fw

The resulting screen will show you the current firmware version on your AirPods. They ship with version 3.3.1 installed, as seen above, and Apple’s new update is version 3.5.1. If you already see 3.5.1 listed as the firmware version, you’re all set. If not, installation is simple — here are all the steps you’ll need to take:

  1. With your phone nearby and your AirPods in their case, plug your case in to charge it

Yup, that’s it. One step. Once your AirPods are plugged in, they will automatically install the firmware update over the next 10 minutes or so. Leave them alone for a while, and the next time you connect you’ll see the updated firmware installed on your AirPods.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.