How to Get and Check the New AirPods Firmware Update

If you heard Apple released a new AirPods firmware update on November 10, 2026, you might be looking for an install button that isn’t there. Build 9B47 is out for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. To get it, charge your AirPods for at least 30 minutes near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi, then check the firmware version in Bluetooth. Use the charging case for AirPods and AirPods Pro, or plug the cable into the earcup on AirPods Max 2.

What’s New in AirPods Firmware 9B47

If you’re hoping 9B47 fixes a problem you’ve noticed, Apple’s release note gives you little to go on. It says “Bug fixes and other improvements” without naming any of the fixes. Developers and public beta testers got build 9B5043a on October 13 and 9B5045a on November 3, but coverage of those builds gave no specifics either. Sourced from Apple’s AirPods firmware page.

Remember the Custom EQ and GymKit additions? Those came with September’s 9A348 release, which added equalizer controls for compatible models and let your iPhone sync AirPods Pro 3 heart rate data with compatible cardio equipment through GymKit. Build 9A350 added support for AirPods 5 that same month. Here’s what you can say about 9B47 itself.

Which AirPods Get the 9B47 Update

Apple lists 9B47 for eight AirPods variants, including both versions of AirPods Pro 2 and both versions of AirPods 4. Still on 9A348 or 9A350? 9to5Mac reported that the rollout began with select models, so your pair may take longer to get it, though Apple hasn’t confirmed that rollout timing. Check your model against the table before you spend time trying to update.

How to Check Your AirPods Firmware Version

Your AirPods may have updated the last time you charged them near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Before you set them aside for another half hour, connect them and look for 9B47 in their Bluetooth details. The steps depend on which device you’re using.

On iPhone or iPad

1. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. Open the gear-icon app and tap Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods in the list and tap the Info button beside their name. It looks like a circled i.
4. Scroll down to About and read the firmware version.

If your AirPods are already connected to your iPhone, you can take a shortcut. Open the gear-icon app, tap your AirPods’ name below the Apple Account banner, then scroll to About and look for Version.

On a Mac

1. Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS.
2. Open the Apple menu, select the entry for your Mac’s system controls, then click Bluetooth.
3. Click the Info button next to your AirPods to see their firmware version.

On Android or Windows

Apple doesn’t document a way to check or install AirPods firmware from Android or Windows. You’ll need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to follow Apple’s steps.

How to Install the AirPods Firmware Update

Apple handles installation automatically while your AirPods charge near a compatible device on Wi-Fi. How long should you leave them there? Apple says to wait at least 30 minutes, and MacRumors reports that installation can take a few hours. If your AirPods are still on the previous build, start with the steps for your model. If your AirPods keep dropping during the install, our fix for AirPods that keep disconnecting can help.

1. Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest software and turn on Bluetooth. Use the latest iOS 27.x release on iPhone, the latest iPadOS on iPad, or the latest macOS on Mac.
2. Connect your AirPods to that device over Bluetooth.
3. Make sure the iPhone, iPad, or Mac is connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Plug your AirPods charging case into a power source.
5. Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid. Leave the case close enough to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to stay within Bluetooth range.
6. Leave the case charging with the lid closed for at least 30 minutes.
7. Open the lid so your AirPods can reconnect.
8. Go back to the Bluetooth details for your AirPods and check whether the firmware now reads 9B47.

For AirPods Max 2

With AirPods Max 2, you charge the headphones directly. Here’s where to plug them in and when to check the version.

1. Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is up to date, turn on Bluetooth, and connect your AirPods Max 2.
2. Connect the iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
3. Plug the charging cable into the port at the bottom of the right earcup and connect the other end to a USB charger or port.
4. Leave your AirPods Max 2 charging within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes.
5. Reconnect your headphones and check their firmware version in Bluetooth.

Why Your AirPods Won’t Update and How to Fix It

You charged your AirPods, waited 30 minutes, and still see 9A348 or 9A350 in Bluetooth. What held up the update? Start with the device your AirPods connect to, then work through the charging and timing checks below.

1. Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple’s instructions call for the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS available for the device you’re using. Once it’s up to date, connect your AirPods to it again before you start another attempt.
2. Check your Wi-Fi connection. Your iPhone or iPad can have internet access over cellular while Wi-Fi is off. Make sure the device your AirPods are paired with is connected to Wi-Fi before you leave them to charge.
3. Turn on Bluetooth. Check that your AirPods connect to the iPhone, iPad, or Mac you plan to leave nearby. Wi-Fi gets that device online, and Bluetooth keeps your AirPods within reach while they charge.
4. Make sure your AirPods are charging. If the case doesn’t appear to be charging, try a different cable or charger before starting the wait again. For AirPods Max 2, check the cable at the bottom of the right earcup as well as the connection to the charger or USB port.
5. Close the lid and keep your device nearby. With AirPods or AirPods Pro, put both earbuds in the case and shut it while the case charges. If you’re using your iPhone for the update, leave it within Bluetooth range for the whole wait.
6. Give it more time. Apple’s 30 minutes is a minimum, and MacRumors reports that installation can take a few hours. If you’re done using your AirPods for the day, leave them charging overnight near your Wi-Fi-connected device and check in the morning.
7. Allow for rollout timing. 9to5Mac reported that 9B47 initially went out to select models, and Apple hasn’t confirmed a rollout schedule. If your pair is eligible and you’ve checked the charging setup, give it another chance to update before you reset it.
8. Check the exact model. The first-generation AirPods Max, first-generation AirPods Pro, and AirPods 1 through 3 each have a different latest version. If you have one of those models, compare the version you see in Bluetooth with the number listed for your pair in the table above.

How to Reset Your AirPods Before Trying Again

If your eligible AirPods still show the old build after those checks, Apple’s next step is to reset them and try the update again. The reset uses a rear button on AirPods Pro 2 and taps on the front of the case for newer models. Pick the steps for your pair before you start. Once they’re reset, here’s how to connect your AirPods to any device again.

AirPods Pro 2

1. Put both earbuds into the charging case. Shut the lid and leave it closed for 30 seconds.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, open Bluetooth and tap the Info button next to your AirPods Pro 2. Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
3. Open the lid with the earbuds still inside the case.
4. Hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. Watch for the light to flash amber and then white.
5. Bring the open case near your iPhone or iPad and follow the prompts to pair your AirPods again. Then put the case on power, close the lid, and give the update another try.

AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Pro 3

1. Place your earbuds in their case, close it, and wait 30 seconds.
2. Find your AirPods in Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Info button, choose Forget This Device, and confirm.
3. Open the lid. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
4. Double-tap again when the light flashes white. Give it a third double-tap when the white flashes get faster.
5. Wait for the light to flash amber and then white. Follow the pairing prompts on your iPhone or iPad, then repeat the charging steps for the firmware update.

If the light never flashes white on either type of case, Apple says to shut the lid for 20 seconds. Open it again and repeat the reset steps for your model.

AirPods Max 2

1. Follow Apple’s separate AirPods Max reset instructions in support article 119838.
2. Reconnect your AirPods Max 2 to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then plug the charging cable back into the right earcup. Leave your headphones charging within Bluetooth range of that Wi-Fi-connected device for at least 30 minutes before checking the version again.

What to Do If You Don’t Have an iPhone or Mac

If you use your AirPods with Android or Windows, you can borrow an iPhone, iPad, or Mac from someone in your household. Pair your AirPods with the borrowed device, make sure it’s on Wi-Fi, and leave your AirPods charging nearby. Reconnect them to that device afterward so you can check the firmware in Bluetooth. Windows users can also check our guide to AirPods Pro 3 not working on Windows 11.

If you can’t borrow an Apple device, Apple recommends making an appointment with either an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Store. Bring your AirPods in and ask to have the firmware updated.

Should You Install 9B47 Right Away?

You can let 9B47 install the next time you charge your AirPods near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac on Wi-Fi. Check the firmware version later this week, after your AirPods have had time to charge. If they’re still on the old build, work through the charging checks and save the reset for when the update still won’t go through.

If there’s a particular bug you hope 9B47 fixes, keep an eye on Apple’s firmware notes for more detail. For now, the next time you put your AirPods on charge is a good chance to get the update going. If you hear crackling after updating, see our AirPods Pro 3 static noise fixes.

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