Apple Releases Beta Firmware 9B5043a for New AirPods Models
Apple has released beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Max 2. Build 9B5043a is rolling out to developers and public beta testers, with no release notes describing its changes.
Apple has released new beta firmware for five AirPods models. Build 9B5043a is rolling out to developers and public beta testers.
The update covers the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Max 2. Apple does not publish release notes for AirPods beta firmware, so the contents of the update have not been disclosed.
Enabling beta updates
A beta firmware option appears in the AirPods settings when the earbuds are connected to an iPhone, iPad or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26 or later. Users can turn on beta updates there.
The AirPods must then be connected to an Apple device and placed on power. Installation can take several hours because AirPods do not have a manual software-update option like other Apple devices.
What we know
- Apple is distributing beta firmware 9B5043a for five AirPods models.
- The release is available to developers and public beta testers.
- Apple has not disclosed what changes the firmware contains.
- Installation requires connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and power.
Trust: Multiple publishers
- Several publishers are cited. They may share the same underlying source; independent reporting is not automatically established.
- Sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac.
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