Apple AirPods Pro 3AFP via Getty ImagesJune 18 update. This post, first published on June 17, was updated with more details of the AirPods software, as well as new firmware for earbuds from Apple’s other brand, Beats. Apple has just updated the firmware for its AirPods Pro earbuds. The last update for AirPods Pro 3 was two months ago, but this time the software is for AirPods Pro 2 as well. Installation is not quite as intuitive as for the iPhone — read on for full details.And no sooner had the AirPods update arrived but there was another software release, for Beats Studio Buds, Apple’s other headphone brand. More on that below.ForbesApple iPhone 18 Pro Release Date: How WWDC 2026 Clues Signal September LaunchBy David PhelanWhat’s In The New AirPods Pro Firmware Update?Firmware updates for Apple’s earbuds happen sporadically and are usually accompanied by the briefest of release notes. Apple merely says the new firmware is all about “Bug fixes and other improvements,” on its support page. That’s identical to the notes for the 11 updates that preceded it, by the way. In other words, there’s not much to be deduced here, unlike the extensive notes which accompanied the release of AirPods Pro 3 last fall. Nonetheless, bug fixes and improvements seem like good things to have, so here’s how it’s done. MORE FOR YOUHow To Update AirPods Pro 2 And AirPods Pro 3 FirmwareUnlike an iPhone software update, which just involves going to Settings and choosing Software Update, the route here is a little more circuitous. First, make sure the Apple device to which you’re going to connect the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2 is on the latest software, with Bluetooth turned on. The device can be an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Connect the AirPods to the device and make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi. Connect the charging case to power.Put the earbuds in the charging case if they’re not there already and close the lid. Make sure the case is within Bluetooth range of the device. Apple then recommends waiting at least 30 minutes for the update to take place — for me this happened in less than 20 minutes, for reference. After that time, open the lid of the case so the AirPods reconnect to your device so you can check the firmware version again. How To Check Your AirPods Firmware Build NumberOn the iPhone, for instance, this is done by opening Settings where you’ll see the AirPods listed on the first page. If they’re not, they’re not connected. Tap the AirPods listing and scroll right to the end of the page that opens. Under About you’ll see the version listed. You’re looking for 8B41, the latest version number. That’ll be the same on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe charging case (USB-C) and AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe charging case (Lightning).Beats Studio Buds Firmware UpdateApple has issued a support document for the new Beats firmware. Here, the company is much more specific about what’s going on. “An attacker within Bluetooth range may be able to listen through the microphone of a device,” it begins, before explaining that it is a vulnerability in open source code and that “Apple Software is among the affected projects.”The new firmware update number is 1B211. The process for updating is not dissimilar to the method described above. Pair the Beats Studio Buds with an iPhone, iPad or Mac, place them in the case and connect to power. Providing they are in Bluetooth range of the paired device, the update should install automatically. ForbesiOS 26.6 Release Date: Why New iPhone Software Update Is Tracking For Early JulyBy David Phelan