Apple Releases Updated Firmware for First-Generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 2

Apple today introduced a new firmware update for the first-generation AirPods Pro and second-generation AirPods. The new firmware is the same 6A321 version that was released for the third-generation AirPods last week and is up from the 6A300 firmware introduced last September.

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature
Apple's AirPods firmware updates often do not come with details on new features, so it is unclear what might be included in the software. For last week's AirPods 3 update with this firmware version, Apple listed only "bug fixes and other improvements."

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 version by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌‌‌‌‌AirPods 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.

Update 1:50 pm: This article has been updated to note the 6A321 update has also been released for the second-generation AirPods.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

BJMRamage Avatar
23 months ago
Sure would be nice to have a button to UPDATE rather than a few random attempts to open close get close…
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Corrode Avatar
23 months ago
I would love it if my AirPods Pro Gen 1 stopped draining their battery during periods of inactivity, despite being in their case.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dater Avatar
23 months ago
would be nice if there would be a setting for only charging the case and the airpods to 80%. I only use my airpods 1-2 times a week and they stay 100% all the time slowly hurting the lithium ion batteries over time... the optimized charging algorithm doesn't work for me because I don't use them daily.

The iPhone 15 has a 80% charging limit now. Don't understand why not all iOS17 compatible devices are getting this feature... I am slowly losing faith in Apple...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fuzzball84 Avatar
23 months ago
The latest firmware update re enables audio for your AirPods Pro. We are so excited to find out what you do with your AirPods Pro.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hellsurfer Avatar
23 months ago

Airpods Pro 3 incoming
AirPods Pro 1 -> AirPods Pro 3 via Software Update
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
strayts Avatar
23 months ago
I wonder if this will fix the crackling noises I've been hearing using NC & Transparency modes.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)