Apple has begun delivering a new beta firmware update—build number 9B5043a—for several AirPods models, made available solely to those enrolled in Apple’s beta software program. The update targets AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd generation), AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2.
No changelog has been released with this beta, as Apple does not publish detailed notes for pilot AirPods firmware versions. Users cannot yet confirm what improvements or adjustments are packed in this build.
How to get the beta firmware
Devices must be connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 (or later) for the option to appear. Those signed up for the beta program will find a toggle within the AirPods’ settings menu to enable beta firmware updates. Once that toggle is on, the firmware updates are sent to the AirPods automatically when connected and charging, but note: there’s no manual “Software Update” button like on other Apple hardware, and installation may take several hours.
Models included
The rollout covers:
- AirPods Pro 2
- AirPods Pro 3
- AirPods 4
- AirPods 5
- AirPods Max 2
These encompass both in-ear and over-ear designs, showing the new firmware is meant for the full range of recent AirPods hardware.
This update follows a prior beta firmware (build 9B5042a), which was distributed around late September for the same series of devices. While that version also lacked a public feature summary, it paved the way for this newer version.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Why this matters: firmware updates for AirPods—especially in their beta form—often bring performance tweaks, connectivity improvements, battery optimizations, or bug fixes that aren’t always readable in version numbers. For users who care about leveraging the latest enhancements, enrolling in the beta channel offers an early look and early risks. Going forward, we’ll be watching for what users discover in the 9B5043a changelog (once it’s revealed), how stable it feels compared to 9B5042a, and whether any visible new features emerge. Knowing what’s inside could give insight into Apple’s roadmap for audio products, signal-processing, and Bluetooth reliability moving into the next ecosystem updates.
