Following the release of iOS 27 beta 2, Apple is rolling out the first firmware beta for AirPods Max 2, alongside second beta builds for other supported AirPods models.
Apple Rolls Out Fresh AirPods Firmware Betas
When Apple released the first iOS 27 and macOS 27 betas, it said AirPods Max 2 would soon join AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 and 2 in supporting beta firmware updates.
With the release of iOS 27 beta 2 and macOS 27 beta 2, Apple delivered on that promise. The company rolled out the first-ever beta firmware update to AirPods Max 2, alongside new beta firmware builds for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods (4th gen), AirPods (4th gen, ANC), and AirPods Pro 3.
All supported models received version 9.0.304, build 9A5304b.
As Apple announced during the WWDC26 keynote, upcoming AirPods features include custom EQ and Apple GymKit syncing. You can read more about those features here.
Installing the AirPods Firmware Beta
Here is Apple’s official guide to enrolling eligible AirPods in the firmware beta program:
- Turn on beta updates
- For Mac computers running macOS 27 beta or later:
- Connect your AirPods to your Mac through Bluetooth Settings. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find AirPods Beta Updates and use the toggle to enable beta software updates.
- For iPhones and iPads running iOS 27 beta or later:
- Connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find AirPods Beta Updates and use the toggle to enable beta software updates.
Apple notes that once the AirPods Beta Updates switch is turned on, firmware updates will be installed automatically when your AirPods are in their charging case and nearby the paired iPhone or Mac.
