Apple rolls out new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and 3

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Apple has released new firmware versions for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. The current builds are numbered 8B28 (AirPods Pro 2) and 8B30 (AirPods Pro 3), respectively. They replace the previous versions 8B21 and 8B25. As usual, Apple has officially released no details about the changes; firmware updates for headphones are usually commented on only with the note "bug fixes and other improvements".

Industry media suspect a connection with the introduction of the live translation function in the European Union, announced for December. Apple originally presented the feature with iOS 26 but had to make adjustments to comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Live translation is expected to be activated in the EU with iOS 26.2. Since the firmware updates are coming shortly before the expected iOS release, they could contain necessary compatibility adjustments.

Revised for the EU

Live translation works with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone and uses the AirPods as a microphone and audio output. The actual processing is done locally by the iPhone using downloaded language models – an aspect that Apple emphasizes in connection with data protection and European requirements. According to earlier reports, the company had to revise audio routing and API interfaces to meet the DMA requirements for interoperability.

Users of AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, which also support live translation, have not yet received an update; they remain on build 8B21. Why Apple is distributing different firmware versions for different models is unclear. However, model-specific builds are common, as the generations differ in hardware details such as DSP algorithms, the H2 chip, and various sensors.

Automatic Installation with Waiting Time

AirPods firmware is distributed automatically once certain prerequisites are met. The iPhone, iPad, or Mac must be running the current operating system and be connected via Wi-Fi. The AirPods must be paired via Bluetooth and be in their closed charging case, which in turn is connected to a power source. The headphones should be within Bluetooth range of the device. Apple recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before checking if the new firmware has been installed.

There is no way to manually initiate the update. Users can only check the installed firmware version in the Bluetooth settings under the info button of their AirPods. In case of persistent problems, a reset and re-pairing can help.

Other Beta Builds in Circulation

In the past, Apple has repeatedly used firmware updates to retrofit new features or resolve issues. For example, with the AirPods Pro 3, heart rate measurement and improved conversation detection were activated via software update. The live translation feature is intended to enable real-time conversations in foreign languages without cloud connection after its EU launch.

It remains unclear when iOS 26.2 will be released. A few days ago, Apple released a second release candidate. The final version is expected before Christmas. The release may be related to the announced expansion of Apple Fitness+ with new languages. These are scheduled to be activated on Monday, December 15th.

(mki)