Marko Zivkovic
On Tuesday, Apple released new firmware updates for its AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds as well as the Apple Pencil Pro. The new AirPods firmware lets users test features such as head-shaking gestures, while the Apple Pencil Pro update likely includes bug fixes.
The company issues software updates for nearly all of its devices and platforms, including accessories such as AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Pencil Pro. While these updates are not as common as updates for other platforms, such as iOS and iPadOS, they still contain new features and important bug fixes.
Tuesday's update brings the AirPods Pro 2 firmware build version to 7A294, up from 6F8. This firmware update is only for AirPods Pro 2, both the USB-C and Lightning versions, and won't be released for AirPods Max or other non-H2 devices.
The latest release contains features Apple announced during WWDC, including the new head-shaking gestures, that let users shake their head yes or no to reply to Siri. The improved noise isolation and personalized spatial audio for gaming are also present.
The new firmware for Apple Pencil Pro has the version number 0.1.40, up from the previous 0.1.33 firmware version. Apple does not offer release notes for Apple Pencil Pro firmware updates. As a result, there are currently no details as to what the update entails, but the new firmware likely introduces various bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements.
The Apple Pencil Pro is Apple's latest and most expensive version of the Apple Pencil. Introduced at the May 2024 iPad event, the Apple Pencil Pro features squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, barrel roll functionality, as well as FindMy integration.
The device firmware can be updated by attaching the Apple Pencil Pro to a compatible iPad. For the AirPods Pro 2, the new firmware update is installed automatically, as there is no mechanism to force an update manually. The firmware will install by itself as long as the AirPods are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device.
How to check your AirPods firmware version
AirPods users can check the current firmware for audio accessories within the Settings app.
- 1. Open the Settings app
- 2. Select General
- 3. Select About
- 4. Select the AirPods you wish to view
- 5. A menu will appear showing relevant device information
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4 Comments
Regarding checking your AirPods firmware version: The method described in the article works only if the AirPods are "active" (case open or pods actually on or the like). If the set is inactive then it won't show in the About listing.
All AirPods available to a particular iPhone can be seen (even if they are currently at the bottom of the ocean) by going to the Bluetooth menu. Selecting the "i" for the appropriate one will bring up the information for those Airpods.
Although I am not (yet!) in need of hearing assistance, the fact that these new abilities are being added to my AirPods Pro 2 — which I’ve had for years — completely free of charge is absolutely astonishing to me and yet another reason why I am a loyal Apple customer.
This is a huge gift to people who need light to moderate hearing assistance and will make a big difference in the lives of so many. The hearing test will help even more people by making them aware of any degradation in their hearing (which tends to happen gradually, so many people aren’t aware that they’ve suffered some hearing damage).
When Apple started talking about this in the presentation I was sure they were going to say this would require buying new AirPods Pro, but no — it’s all being delivered in a firmware update. Astounding.
Mine don't seem to want to update!