New AirPods firmware version 4.2 is now available for every AirPods model with no known changes beyond bug fixes and reliability updates.
AirPods firmware 4C165 available for all models
Apple doesn't provide release notes for AirPods firmware, so the exact changes in the update are unknown. An earlier update brought support for Conversation Boost for the AirPods Pro.
Previously, the AirPods Pro had firmware version 4.0 (4A402), a slight change from the previous 4A400 build. Third-generation AirPods had version 4.1 4B66. The new update is version 4.2 with build number 4C165 for every AirPods model including the AirPods (second-generation), AirPods (third-generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
The new firmware is installed automatically for users, with no mechanism available to manually force an update. As long as AirPods or AirPods Pro are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device, the firmware will install by itself.
How to check your AirPods firmware version
AirPods users can check the current firmware for their audio accessories within the Settings app.
- Open the Settings App
- Select General
- Select About
- Select the AirPods you wish to view
- A menu will appear showing relevant device information