Andrew Orr
Following an update to AirPods Pro 2 firmware, Apple has followed suit with the rest of the currently shipping AirPods lineup.
The update — 5B58 — is meant to fix bug fixes and improvements. As usual, Apple hasn't provided give further information than that.
Thursday's update follows a release earlier in the week for the new AirPods Pro. Models covered with Thursday's firmware update include AirPods 2, AirPods 3, original AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
There was previous speculation that Apple had reduced Active Noise Cancellation capabilities for specific models, but that motivation hasn't been proven yet. The second and third generations of AirPods don't have ANC, although the update could still contain common fixes as the release notes suggest and nothing else.
How to check AirPods firmware version
Apple doesn't provide a way to install new firmware versions for devices such as AirPods directly. However, it is possible to check the current firmware version.
- Open the Settings App.
- Select General.
- Select About.
- Select the AirPods currently connected to the device.
- A menu that shows relevant device information, including the firmware version, will appear.
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5 Comments
I use the AirPod Pro gen 2 and I noticed an improvement in clarity with the new firmware update. I thought the sound was great before the firmware update.
This update also applies to the Beats Fit Pro - same firmware too - 5B55
Apple AirPods 2 (non pro) user here. New update might have changed Siri activation sound(or 16.1.1), and switching between iPad 11’ and iPhone X seems a bit more responsive. Mic Audio seems to have gotten a bit less lag.
iOS 16 also shows the AirPod at the Settings menu once it connects while in case. When the case is plugged into the cable connected to a Mac it shows up in the Settings/General/About menu. My AirPods Pro is still at 4E71. It's a bit crazy because it shows up in different places at different times.
The firmware doesn’t solve no audio connectivity issues. The AirPods Pro didn’t have this issue. I can’t get any audio when I try to use the pro 2,s during a phone call already in progress. If I put them back in the case, audio still doesn’t return and I’m forced to disconnect the call to restore audio. If the AirPod 2 falls out of my ear and I reinsert, audio doesn’t return. If I try to use them with a call in progress while using car play, audio stops on call and call must be drop and rejoined to restore audio. Switching to speaker phone does restore audio either; the only fix I have found is dropping the call, connecting the AirPods and rejoining the call. This is a very annoying problem.