Apple keeps adding helpful new features to AirPods Pro 2, but this latest firmware update is bigger than most—it’s all to get them ready for the big iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia update next week.
The new firmware version is 7A294 (the previous version was 6F8) and it is available for both the Lightning and USB-C variants of the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro. Apple describes the update as follows:
When used with an iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11-supported iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 2 firmware update 7A294 makes the hands-free experience even more seamless by being able to nod your head “yes” or shake your head “no” to respond to Siri announcements like calls, messages, and notifications.
This update also adds Voice Isolation to calls with AirPods Pro 2 to help ensure you come across clearly by removing background noise around you for whoever you are speaking to.
Gamers also now have the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming and can enjoy improved voice quality, including 16-bit, 48kHz audio, when chatting with teammates and other players.
In addition, this update includes performance improvements to Personalized Volume with AirPods Pro 2.
In other words, this is the firmware that adds all the previously announced new features to AirPods Pro. At its September “Glowtime” event, Apple unveiled other new features including Hearing Protection, a clinical-grade hearing test, and a hearing aid function. These are coming in a software update later this year.
There isn’t a way to force an upgrade to the new firmware; it will automatically install when the AirPods are in their case and charging. It can take hours or even days to get the latest firmware. If you haven’t used your AirPods in a long time, taking them out of their case and using them for a few minutes before putting them back in and on the charger may help speed things up.
To see what firmware version your AirPods are running, you can open the Settings app, select your connected AirPods (near the top), scroll down past all the options to the About section, and look at the Version line. You can also find this information in General > About > AirPods Pro.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.