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Apple has released a new firmware update for AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2. The version, build number 8B41, replaces the previous 8B40. The Beats Studio Buds are also receiving an update. No major new features are expected; the focus is primarily on bug fixes.
Apple releases firmware updates for its headphones at irregular intervals, usually without much fanfare. This time, both current Pro generations benefit: the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods Pro 2, which differ significantly in features and sound, both receive the new build number 8B41. What Apple has changed in this update remains unclear – as usual, the information is scarce.
What Build 8B41 brings
The new firmware updates AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 from build 8B40 to 8B41. Specific details about the update's content are not yet available. While Apple maintains a support document with release notes, this is not expected to be updated for another day or two. For most firmware updates, the official notes typically only mention bug fixes and general improvements.
Many signs point to a maintenance update. The last public build, 8B40, was released in April, primarily focused on bug fixes, and remained limited to the AirPods Pro 3. The current version now reaches more devices.
Beats Studio Buds are also getting an update
Alongside the AirPods, Apple is also rolling out a new firmware update for the Beats Studio Buds. It carries the build number 1B211 and replaces the previous 1B204. This is likely a maintenance update with bug fixes, as Apple hasn't mentioned any specific new features.
Major new features will only be available with iOS 27
Last week, Apple released a firmware update for AirPods Pro 3 and other models that, for the first time, officially enabled support for the new features of iOS 27. However, this version was only available to beta testers. Apple is unlikely to introduce any major new AirPods features before the official launch of iOS 27 this fall – the most comprehensive features were last released with the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 itself. Therefore, today's update fits into this pattern of quiet maintenance between major version releases.
This is how the firmware can be updated
Firmware updates install automatically while the AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Manual triggering is not possible, but the process can be initiated intentionally:
- Make sure your iPhone, iPad or Mac is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS or macOS and that Bluetooth is enabled.
- Make sure the AirPods are connected to the device via Bluetooth.
- Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Wi-Fi network.
- Connect the charging case to a power source.
- Place the AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Keep it closed and the case within Bluetooth range of the device.
- Please wait at least 30 minutes until the update is complete.
- Open the lid to reconnect the AirPods, and then check the firmware version again.
On a Mac, you can check the update status via the Apple menu under "System Preferences" and "Bluetooth" by clicking the info button next to the AirPods name. If the update still doesn't work despite all steps, resetting the AirPods and then trying again usually helps. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)
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