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Apple releases new AirPods beta firmware, including first build for AirPods Max 2

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Why This Matters

Apple's release of the first beta firmware for AirPods Max 2 and other models signifies a major step in enhancing user experience through new features like custom EQ and GymKit syncing. This update underscores Apple's commitment to iterative improvements and ecosystem integration, benefiting both consumers and developers by enabling early access to upcoming functionalities.

Key Takeaways

Following the release of iOS 27 beta 2, Apple is rolling out the first firmware beta for AirPods Max 2, alongside second beta builds for other supported AirPods models. Here are the details.

Apple rolls out fresh AirPods firmware betas

When Apple released the first iOS 27 and macOS 27 betas, it said AirPods Max 2 would soon join AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 and 2 in supporting beta firmware updates.

Yesterday, the company released iOS 27 beta 2 and macOS 27 beta 2, delivering on that promise. And just now, Apple rolled out the first-ever beta firmware update to AirPods Max 2, alongside new beta firmware builds for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods (4th gen), AirPods (4th gen, ANC), and AirPods Pro 3.

All supported models received version 9.0.304, build 9A5304b.

As Apple announced during the WWDC26 keynote, upcoming AirPods features include custom EQ and Apple GymKit syncing. You can read more about that here.

Installing AirPods firmware beta

Here’s Apple’s official guide to enrolling eligible AirPods in the firmware beta program:

Turn on beta updates

For Mac computers running macOS 27 beta or later: To enable the AirPods beta, connect your AirPods to your Mac through the Bluetooth Settings. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the “AirPods Beta Updates”. Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.

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