Apple today released new firmware designed for the second-generation AirPods Pro, which means the new AirPods will have a day one firmware update available at launch. The 5A377 firmware is now available for new AirPods Pro owners, up from the 5A374 firmware they ship with.
Apple has not provided information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.
There is no standard way to upgrade the AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.
You can check your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
If we learn about any notable changes in the firmware update, we'll share details, but the software likely offers performance improvements and minor bug fixes.
Sony refreshed its earbuds earlier this year, introducing the $330 WF-1000XM6 earbuds to compete with the $249 AirPods Pro 3 that came out last September. We compared Sony's new earbuds with Apple's latest model to see which is better.
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Sony's XM6 earbuds are smaller than the AirPods Pro 3 because there's no stem, but the in-ear fit...
Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:34 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple is working on a new version of the AirPods Pro, which could come as soon as this year. The AirPods are expected to be a variant of the current AirPods Pro, which suggests they won't be called the AirPods Pro 4.
Cameras
Multiple sources have said Apple is developing AirPods Pro that have tiny infrared cameras. The cameras won't be used to take photos or videos like an iPhone camera,...
Thursday April 30, 2026 8:40 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
In a social media post this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that Apple is planning to release new AirPods with cameras "for Siri."
Last month, Gurman said these AirPods will likely be priced above the current AirPods Pro 3, which Apple sells for $249. As a result, he said Apple is likely considering using "AirPods Ultra" branding for the camera-equipped AirPods.
"AirPods Ultra"...
Well, if I’ve learned anything from visiting MacRumors… “It’s a Money Grab” or “They’re forcing you to upgrade” or “They’re destroying the environment” or “It’s time for Timmy to go”
I remember when Apple was Doomed because Tim Cook murdered hundreds of millions of people with a free U2 album.
With mandatory firmware updates that have incidentally been known to worsen the sound stage or noise cancellation in the past...?
AirPods firmware updates should be opt-in like updates to all other Apple products – and the release notes need to explicitly state what is new. Not a generic "bug fixes and improvements".
SuCh (https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/17/21069953/apple-airpods-pro-noise-cancellation-problems-firmware-2b588-2c54) a CoNSpIRaCy (https://www.macworld.com/article/233738/apple-please-fix-active-noise-cancellation-in-the-airpods-pro.html) tHeORy (https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/01/14/airpods-pro-firmware-update-sacrifices-noise-cancellation-quality-for-bass) 🙄
Apple being proactive and staying ahead of the curve here?
Well, if I’ve learned anything from visiting MacRumors… “It’s a Money Grab” or “They’re forcing you to upgrade” or “They’re destroying the environment” or “It’s time for Timmy to go”
