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Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max headphones regularly receive over-the-air firmware updates that are installed through an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but for those who do not have an Apple device, there is no way to get new firmware on their own.

airpods-pro-1-cyber.jpg

In an updated AirPods firmware support document, Apple today addressed this situation, recommending those without an Apple device visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to update their firmware. From the support document:
If you don't have an Apple device nearby, you can set up an appointment at an Apple Store or with an Apple Authorized Service Provider to update your firmware.
Visiting a retail location just for firmware is inconvenient, but it stands to reason that most people who own AirPods have an Apple device of some kind. Android users and PC users will not be able to install firmware updates from their devices because Apple does not make any kind of AirPods management app for those platforms. Apple does have a Beats app for Android devices that allows firmware to be updated.


Apple also updated the document to clarify that firmware updates are installed automatically when the AirPods are charging and are within range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is connected to WiFi.

New AirPods firmware was released today, with firmware 5E133 bringing bug fixes and other improvements to the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max.

Article Link: AirPods Users Without a Nearby Apple Device Can Visit an Apple Store to Update Firmware
 
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Reactions: sorgo †
I've dutifully plugged in my AirPods case to power and brought in my iPhone to sit next to it, and it shows the AirPods as connected. They've been like that for like an hour and just checked the firmware which still shows as an old version. Why can't this work like every other rApple product where I click a button or whatever and it does the update?
 
If I don’t have a nearby Apple device, then what good is an update? How do you use AirPods without a nearby Apple device?

edit: Just remembered these can be used with non Apple devices. my bad
 
Clearly, the AirPods upgrade process is less than desirable. Certainly the opposite of user-friendly.

Sure, heading into an Apple Store is an option, but a pretty lousy one. And even lousier if you don’t have an Apple Store around.

It’s stunning that the process is as random as it is. Adding a download/install option for AirPods in iOS, macOS and/or iPadOS seems a better solution. I wonder why they’ve not offered this to date?

Maybe the iPod-case-with-a-screen rumor will afford such software update control directly on-case. Breath not held.
 
I've dutifully plugged in my AirPods case to power and brought in my iPhone to sit next to it, and it shows the AirPods as connected. They've been like that for like an hour and just checked the firmware which still shows as an old version. Why can't this work like every other rApple product where I click a button or whatever and it does the update?
You forgot the rain dance, tight-rope walk, and blood sacrifice :)
 
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Reactions: zapmymac
Given that Apple doesn’t disclose what’s in the updates, why would you even bother to update your AirPods if they are working fine? It’s not like anyone ever discovered some hidden malware on their AirPods because they listened to the wrong Soundcloud track, or some other security issue.
 
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