Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware
Apple has released new beta firmware for several of its latest AirPods models, including the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max 2. The update, identified by build number 9B5042a, is currently available to developers and public beta testers. Apple has not provided specific details on the changes included in this firmware release.
- ▪The new beta firmware is available for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2.
- ▪The firmware build number is 9B5042a and is distributed to developers and public beta testers.
- ▪Users must connect their AirPods to an Apple device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later to access the beta option.
- ▪Installing the firmware requires connecting the AirPods to power and can take several hours to complete.
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| Original publisher | MacRumors |
| Canonical URL | https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/29/apple-releases-new-airpods-beta-firmware-september/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:38:03 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-29T18:42:31.686Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-29T18:42:31.686Z |
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| Summary | WeSearch · cerebras-chat (WeSearch summarizer) |
| Summary source text | contentText |
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| Cluster | YrByjNJOq5x8 · 2 stories |
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Apple Releases New AirPods Beta FirmwareTuesday September 29, 2026 11:38 am PDT by Juli CloverApple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later, there is a beta firmware option that can be accessed in the AirPods settings interface. Toggling on beta updates allows users to install the beta firmware.
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