Apple issues rare AirPods developer beta firmware

Although Apple has released AirPods beta software before, it's much rarer than such updates for iOS. This one comes as iOS 16 introduces personalized spatial audio, but the release notes don't mention that.

Nonetheless, the beta update is meant for iOS 16, as developers have been told that to. test it, they must have:

• An iPhone running the iOS 16 beta
• Mac running macOS Ventura beta
• Mac also running Xcode 14 beta
• A supported AirPods device

The supported AirPods are the second and third generation of the original AirPods, plus AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

Apple also notes that it can take up to 24 hours for the beta update to be downloaded and installed. Registered developers can get full instructions, plus the download, on Apple's Developer Download page.