Apple today released a new firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, with the software available for both the USB-C and Lightning models. The AirPods Pro 2 firmware has a build number of 7A305, up from the 7A302 firmware released earlier in September.
There is no word yet on what's included in the firmware, but Apple is planning to add hearing aid and hearing test features to the AirPods Pro 2 in the not too distant future.
The firmware update could potentially lay the groundwork for those capabilities ahead of when the full feature set comes out in an iOS 18 update. Apple has already received FDA approval for the hearing aid functionality for the AirPods Pro 2.
Apple doesn't have a way to manually upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air when the AirPods are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device or Mac.
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"...
I don't think I have ever owned an Apple hardware product that has seen so many firmware updates from the point I've owned it! And I've owned many Apple hardware since 1990!
That soft beep sound is morse code. I'm a little rusty on Morse, but I think the translation is either "Buy a new iPhone 16 today" or "Be sure to drink your Ovaltine"
Apple Marketing leaves no promotional stone unturned. ;)
'magic dance of plugging both things in and trying to ignore checking the firmware after making sure the bluetooth was connected before closing the charging case'
