Apple updates AirPods 2/3, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to firmware 4E71
Apple is releasing a software update tonight for the AirPods 2 and 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max to firmware 4E71. The previous update dates back to December and was firmware 4C165. For AirPods 3, it was firmware 4C170 in January.
Update 4E71 for AirPods 2 and 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max
Apple does not communicate the list of changes and other bug fixes. So it’s hard to know that firmware 4E71 brings to AirPods 2 and 3, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. It is possible that these are simple bugfixes. This seems to be the case for now.
You can check which version is installed. Head into Settings > General > About, scroll down and select your AirPods. The installed version of the firmware is located on the line “Firmware version”.
How to force the update to install
How to update your AirPods? Officially, Apple does not offer a solution. The download and installation are done automatically in the background. But there is a technique used by Geniuses in the Apple Store to force the download, here it is for AirPods (Pro):
- Make sure the AirPods are within Bluetooth range of their iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device
- Listen to music or other audio with AirPods for at least 30 seconds
- Put the AirPods back in the charging case and close the lid
- Connect the charging case to a power source via Lightning
- Wait 30 minutes and above all do not open the case during this period otherwise you will have to start from the beginning
The method is similar for AirPods Max:
- Make sure the AirPods Max are within Bluetooth range of their iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device
- Check that the battery life of his AirPods Max is above 20%.
- Listen to music or other audio with AirPods Max for at least 30 seconds
- Slip the AirPods Max into the Smart Case and wait 30 minutes
- Or, if you don’t have the Smart Case with you, don’t touch your AirPods Max for 30 minutes
