Apple this week released firmware updates for all AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 models.
Here are the previous and current firmware versions for these models:
- AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation: 7B19 → 7B21
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: 7B19 → 7B21
- AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning charging case: 7B19 → 7B20
- AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case: 7B19 → 7B20
Unfortunately, Apple's release notes for AirPods firmware updates are often vague. Apple's website says firmware versions 7B20 and 7B21 include "bug fixes and other improvements," but no further details have been provided.
There is no way to manually force the installation of a firmware update on AirPods. Apple says firmware updates are "delivered automatically" when the AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi. To check which firmware version is installed on your AirPods, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap on Bluetooth, tap on the Info symbol next to your AirPods, and check the Version field.
Last month's firmware version 7B19 enabled new hearing aid, hearing test, and hearing protection features on AirPods Pro 2 when paired with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 or later. Availability of these features varies by country. Apple's release notes never indicated what that firmware version added to the AirPods 4.
