Apple has released new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, introducing the new iOS 26 features plus a much easier installation process than ever before.
Yesterday at WWDC, Apple introduced several brand new features coming to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models with iOS 26.
New features include:
These upgrades are launching this fall in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.
But Apple has already launched new beta firmware, build 8A279d, that offers a preview of some of these upcoming features.
It has also, for the first time, made installing AirPods betas easy for people.
Previously, joining the AirPods beta train required a convoluted process involving a Mac and Xcode.
But if you’re running the iOS 26 beta, you can now opt into beta firmware right from the AirPods screen inside Settings.
There’s a new ‘AirPods Beta Updates’ menu inside this Settings screen where you can toggle beta updates on, just like you can on most other Apple devices.
Then, just follow the typical process for triggering new AirPods firmware installations and the new beta firmware will be installed.
What do you think of the new AirPods features coming in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.