New AirPods firmware enables Spatial Audio, automatic switching

Apple released new firmware for the AirPods Pro and second generation AirPods on Monday, with build number 3A283 now available to download and install.

The update replaces the previously available firmware, build number 2D15 for the second generation AirPods, and build number 2D27 for AirPods Pro. This marks the fifth firmware update Apple has issued for the AirPods Pro since launch.

The iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur updates enable new features for Apple's H1 equipped devices like quick switching and spatial audio.

Spatial audio mimics a 3D soundscape and movie theater-like experience, while also using the built in accelerometers to track a user's head movement to keep the sound properly oriented. AppleInsider was able to confirm the 3A283 update enables spatial audio.

Spatial audio settings within the AirPods Pro bluetooth menu

Quick switching would take the existing iCloud pairing feature of the H1 chip and increase its autonomy. Theoretically a user will be able to wear their AirPods and have audio automatically play in them as long as they are within proximity of the active device.

The new firmware is installed automatically for users, with no mechanism on offer to manually force an update to take place. So long as the AirPods Pro are in the charging case and connected to an iOS device, the firmware will install by itself.

AirPods users can check the current firmware for their audio accessories within the Settings app, selecting General, then About, then select their device from the menu.

51 Comments

caladanian 380 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

“ So long as the AirPods Pro are in the charging case and connected to an iOS device” - how can they be in the case and at the same time connected?

lordjohnwhorfin 871 comments · 18 Years

Just wear your AirPods for a few minutes then put them back in the case and close the lid. Keep the case near the phone and don’t disturb it for 20 minutes or so. They remain connected while the firmware transfers. That’s all you need to do. You can check the firmware version in your iPhone’s About preferences.

dk49 284 comments · 9 Years

Anyone noticed any improvement in noise-cancellation?

iOS_Guy80 905 comments · 5 Years

caladanian said:

“ So long as the AirPods Pro are in the charging case and connected to an iOS device” - how can they be in the case and at the same time connected?

I think he means just have the AirPods paired to a device. The closer they are to your router the sooner the update will occur.

nicholfd 828 comments · 6 Years

iOS_Guy80 said:

caladanian said:

“ So long as the AirPods Pro are in the charging case and connected to an iOS device” - how can they be in the case and at the same time connected?

I think he means just have the AirPods paired to a device. The closer they are to your router the sooner the update will occur.

Um... No. Your router has nothing to do with AirPods - they can't see or use your router. The AirPods are bluetooth only and work through your iPhone/iPad/Mac to receive the update. Proximity to your router has absolutely zero to do with getting the AirPods updated.