AirPods Users Without a Nearby Apple Device Can Visit an Apple Store to Update Firmware

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1645874666219933706

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

 

[fenderbass146]

So literally like 1 out of every 100,000 airpod owners...I highly doubt those people will give two craps about a firmware update...but hey, it's an option.

 

[goonie4life9]

How does Apple not know how their own devices work? My AirPods have updated when not charging.

 

[Berti10]

To weaken the ANC? No thanks.

 

[sorgo †]

Someone at Apple must have misread the date as Apr. 1

 

[Jhonjhon236]

Why not just give the ability to update them through iTunes?

 

[Zest28]

So you are telling me the Apple AirPods don't come with an iPhone 14 Pro in the box for performing updates? What's next, no more charger in the box?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Why not just give the ability to update them through iTunes?

I think Apple wants you to visit their Apple Retail Stores.

 

[Matsamoto]

Soo…
In order for me to not let Apple destroy my perfectly fine and functional AirPods Pro 2, I have to sell my iPhone and buy an Android?🤔😂

 

[tonyr6]

I did not even know that airpods work with non apple devices. Learn something new.

I will stick with my soundcore wireless earbuds.

 

[Berti10]

So.. you CAN force an update.. interesting 🧐

 

[Zc456]

"My earphones need updating" is the strangest sentence.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

hold on, you can update airpods with a mac ?

 

[Not@Apple]

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?

 

[xpxp2002]

Why not just give the ability to update them through iTunes?

Or just, you know, make an Android app for that.

There's even an AirTags locator app for Android and you can't even use AirTags with an Android device.

 

[sunapple]

What about the MagSafe charging puck, Studio Display, others? Seriously, these all get updated through Apple devices 😅

 

[gaximus]

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

 

[James vong Bomd]

I think Apple wants you to visit their Apple Retail Stores.

To sell them an iPhone, these guys are foxes. 🤭

 

[BruiserB]

To sell them an iPhone, these guys are foxes. 🤭

We have the AirPod Updater 14 Pro Max right over here!

 

[lazyrighteye]

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.

 

[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?

You forgot the rain dance, tight-rope walk, and blood sacrifice

 

[peripatetic]

This all made me realize I'm still on Version 5B58 from many, many months ago despite owning many Apple devices. How do I update mine?

 

[coffeemilktea]

I guess that's a great way to sell someone an iPhone 😂

 

[KeepCalmPeople]

I think it's rather absurd that they need firmware updates at all...

 

[klasma]

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.