Apple now makes it simple to put in prerelease AirPods firmware in your wi-fi earbuds. The corporate as soon as reserved this feature for under a choose few builders. However now, anybody keen to place probably buggy software program on their AirPods can attempt upcoming options early.
The temptation is comprehensible. The upcoming iOS 26 brings a spread of enhancements to Apple earbuds, however you want unreleased AirPods firmware to benefit from them. Set up the beta AirPods software program, and you may check out improved audio recording, auto-pause when sleeping, and lots of different new options.
Feeling courageous? Let’s go.
P.S. Not in search of the prerelease model? We even have a information on how you can set up the common non-beta AirPods software program.
Warning: Learn this primary
Earlier than you get began, don’t skim previous an vital warning. Right now, there’s no solution to uninstall AirPods firmware. Should you set up a beta, you may solely changed it with a brand new beta model (or a full launch model when that turns into accessible). There’s no solution to return to a earlier model.
So if beta AirPods firmware causes issues with an utility you want or get pleasure from, you may’t stroll it again. All you are able to do is hope the issue will get cleared up with the subsequent model. Or purchase new AirPods …
That is particularly vital as a result of you can also’t do what we’d usually suggest: Put the beta on an outdated set of earbuds. The newest prerelease firmware works solely with AirPods 4 and AirPods Professional 2.
You’ve been warned.
Find out how to set up AirPods firmware early
The important first step in putting in prerelease AirPods firmware is placing iOS 26 in your iPhone. Or iPadOS 26 in your pill, if you happen to usually use the AirPods along with your iPad. You need to use the general public betas launched lately for this — you don’t must be a developer.
Subsequent, join your AirPods 4 or AirPods Professional 2 to your iPhone or iPad. This is so simple as opening the earbuds’ charging case whereas utilizing the iDevice of your selection.
Screenshots: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Now, open the Settings app and search for your earbuds to close the highest of the record. Faucet on that merchandise. This opens a display with settings for the accent. Scroll down till you see AirPods Beta Updates and faucet on it.
As the ultimate step, on the ensuing display, toggle on the change subsequent to AirPods Beta Updates.
Screenshots: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Now it’s important to anticipate the AirPods firmware to be put in — it’s not so simple as urgent a button. “Firmware updates shall be put in when your AirPods are of their charging case and close by this iPhone,” says Apple. Give it a while, then test once more later.
What comes with iOS 26 and new AirPods firmware
There are two explanation why you is likely to be eager about attempting out prerelease AirPods firmware. For one, it’s by no means been simpler. However the primary purpose is that iOS 26 ushers in so many cool new options. You possibly can use AirPods as a digital camera distant, or you may use your AirPods as an exterior microphone when recording movies. Plus, your AirPods routinely pause no matter’s taking part in after they detect you’ve got fallen asleep. And they’ll routinely hand off to CarPlay.
That’s not all. There are different enhancements on the best way. Remember to learn our information on how iOS 26 will improve your AirPods expertise for extra particulars.
