Overview
- Apple has released AirPods firmware build 9A5336b to public beta testers, the same build that was previously available only to developers.
- The beta is limited to AirPods with the H2 chip, specifically AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2, and some feature changes may be model specific.
- Users enable the beta from the AirPods settings on a host device running iOS, iPadOS or macOS 26 or later and the update installs automatically while the AirPods charge, a process that can take several hours.
- The firmware unlocks iOS 27‑dependent features including a redesigned AirPods interface, an Adaptive mode slider, custom EQ support and compatibility with the new Siri AI.
- Apple simplified enrollment by moving the beta opt‑in into AirPods settings rather than requiring a Mac/Xcode workflow, and Apple plans to push the firmware to all users when iOS 27 ships.