Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods 3

Apple today introduced a new firmware update for the third-generation AirPods. The new firmware is version 6A317, up from the 6A300 firmware introduced in September.

airpods 3 blue
Apple's AirPods firmware updates do not come with details on new features, so it is unclear what might be included in the software.

Apple also does not offer instructions on how to upgrade 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 iOS device or Mac should force the update.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌‌‌‌‌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 more about what's new in the AirPods firmware release, we'll update this article. Apple has also recently released 6A307 beta firmware for the AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

andrewxgx Avatar
28 months ago
does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
David1964 Avatar
28 months ago

does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
That’s your ear’s fault ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
veebs Avatar
28 months ago
Safari seems snappier with this update
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
28 months ago

Does it fix the problem where one doesn’t seat correctly and doesn’t charge overnight? Then the next night it’s the other one. Then it’s fine for a few days. I’ve replaced 3 pair and all have the same problem. I’ve never had this issue on the first generation AirPods. I actually just went back and purchased a first generation so I wouldn’t have the issue any longer, at least for the pair I use for traveling. The AirPods 3 I have a home for the bedroom and office still have this problem.
That's happened to me too with the AirPods Pro. I I think I found the culprit. Dirt can accumulate between the stem and the part that goes in your ear, and cleaning that crevice seems to help.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
geotbozo Avatar
28 months ago

I hope it fixes the issue where it pops up on the iphone with instructions/reminder on how to mute/unmute when on a call
^^^THIS!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Polinsky Avatar
28 months ago

does it fix the damn thing falling out of the ear?
Yup. When you place the earpiece in your ear, little prongs come out and grab your outer ear canal. It stays put until you forcefully remove it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)