Apple has begun rolling out new firmware for select AirPods models, including the AirPods Pro 3, nearly two months after the last noteworthy update. The new build number is 9B47.
The latest firmware, build 9B47, is rolling out for H2-equipped AirPods models but is currently available only for select models. The previous build, 9A348, shipped alongside iOS 27 in September. The update is expected to eventually reach AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 5, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2, although release notes have not yet been published. It is likely the firmware includes only bug fixes and other improvements, and release notes will be added to the webpage soon.
Users cannot manually trigger a firmware update on AirPods like they can on an iPhone. Instead, updates happen automatically in the background. Apple advises owners to ensure their iPhone, iPad or Mac is updated to the latest OS version, Bluetooth is on, and the AirPods are connected to it via Bluetooth; connect the device to Wi-Fi and the charging case to power, put the AirPods in the case and close the lid, then wait at least 30 minutes with the lid closed and the AirPods within Bluetooth range.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The update brings potential performance and reliability improvements to Apple's latest high-end earbuds.
- Users should follow Apple's instructions to ensure the firmware installs promptly.
- Release notes are pending, so the full scope of changes remains unknown for now.
Background
Apple periodically issues firmware updates for AirPods to fix bugs, improve connectivity and enhance audio quality. The updates install automatically when the earbuds are in their case and connected to power and a paired device.
Key Perspectives
Apple (via 9to5Mac report): The new firmware is build 9B47, available for H2-equipped AirPods models, and likely contains "bug fixes and other improvements."
What to Watch
- When Apple publishes official release notes on its support webpage.
- Whether any substantive new features appear beyond bug fixes.
- The speed of rollout to all compatible AirPods models.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedApple has begun rolling out firmware for select AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 3.9to5Mac: “Apple is rolling out brand new firmware for select AirPods models today, including AirPods Pro 3.”
- SupportedThe firmware is build 9B47.9to5Mac: “Today’s new AirPods firmware is build 9B47 .”
- SupportedThe new firmware arrives nearly two months after the last noteworthy update.9to5Mac: “New AirPods firmware is here, debuting nearly two months after the last noteworthy update.”
- SupportedThe 9B47 firmware is rolling out for H2-equipped AirPods models and is currently available only for select models.9to5Mac: “The latest firmware is rolling out for H2-equipped AirPods models. Currently it’s only available for select models”
- SupportedThe previous build was 9A348 and shipped alongside iOS 27 in September.9to5Mac: “The previous build was 9A348, which shipped alongside iOS 27 in September.”
- SupportedThe update is expected eventually to reach AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 5, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2.9to5Mac: “it’s expected to ultimately debut for: AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Pro 2 AirPods 5 AirPods 4 AirPods Max 2”
- SupportedRelease notes have not yet been published.9to5Mac: “So far release notes haven’t yet been published”
- SupportedThe firmware likely includes only bug fixes and other improvements.9to5Mac: “It’s likely the firmware only includes “bug fixes and other improvements,””
- SupportedRelease notes will be added to the webpage soon.9to5Mac: “they’ll be added to this webpage soon.”
- SupportedAirPods firmware cannot be manually triggered like iPhone software updates; updates happen automatically in the background.9to5Mac: “You can’t manually trigger AirPods firmware installation like you can iPhone software updates. Instead, updates happen automatically in the background.”
- SupportedApple's instructions include updating the connected iPhone, iPad or Mac, turning on Bluetooth, connecting the AirPods via Bluetooth, connecting the device to Wi-Fi and the charging case to power, closing the case with the AirPods inside, and waiting at least 30 minutes with the lid closed and the AirPods in Bluetooth range.9to5Mac: “Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on. Make sure that your AirPods are connected via Bluetooth”