Apple has released AirPods firmware 9B47 to everyone, and it lands on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 5, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2. Apple’s AirPods firmware support document, updated November 10, now lists 9B47 as the current version for all of those models.
This is the public release, not a test build. We reported last week when Apple rolled out fresh beta firmware for modern AirPods models. If you skipped the beta, this is the same update line reaching regular owners. And like every AirPods update, there’s no button to tap. You have to let it install, or nudge it along.
AirPods firmware 9B47 covers eight AirPods configurations across five product lines
Apple splits some models by charging case, so the list looks longer than it is. Here’s what Apple’s page shows for every AirPods model, including the ones that don’t get 9B47:
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| Model | Current firmware |
|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3 | 9B47 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | 9B47 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) | 9B47 |
| AirPods 5 | 9B47 |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | 9B47 |
| AirPods 4 | 9B47 |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | 9B47 |
| AirPods Max 2 | 9B47 |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) | 7E108 |
| AirPods Max (Lightning) | 6F25 |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | 6F21 |
| AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 | 6F21 |
| AirPods (1st generation) | 6.8.8 |
The split is telling. The original AirPods Max stays on 7E108 for USB-C and 6F25 for Lightning, so Apple is clearly putting new firmware work into AirPods Max 2. AirPods Pro 1, AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 sit on 6F21. If you own any of those, nothing changes for you and there’s nothing to install.
Apple’s release notes for 9B47 only say bug fixes and other improvements
Apple’s entry for 9B47 has one line: “Bug fixes and other improvements.” There’s no list of fixed issues and no new features named. That’s a sharp contrast with the two releases before it.
- Firmware 9A348 added Custom EQ for AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2. It also brought GymKit on iPhone, which sends AirPods Pro 3 heart rate data to compatible cardio equipment.
- Firmware 9A350 added support for AirPods 5, along with hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation, which need iOS 27 and an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
So 9B47 looks like a cleanup release on top of those feature updates. That’s useful if you’ve had connection drops or battery quirks since the 9A builds, but don’t expect a new control or setting to appear after it installs. Apple doesn’t tell you which bugs it fixed, so the only way to know if your problem is gone is to install it and use your AirPods for a few days.
How to check your AirPods firmware version on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Before you try to force anything, check whether your AirPods already updated in the background. Apple says firmware installs on its own while your AirPods charge near a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- iPhone or iPad: update to the latest iOS or iPadOS, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, tap the Info button next to your AirPods and scroll to About.
- Mac: update to the latest macOS, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, then click the Info button next to your AirPods.
If you see 9B47, you’re done. If you see 9A348, 9A350 or something older on a supported model, keep reading.
How to force the 9B47 update when your AirPods don’t install it on their own
Apple’s steps for AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 or 5 go like this:
- Update your iPhone, iPad or Mac to its latest software and turn on Bluetooth.
- Connect your AirPods to that device and make sure the device is on Wi-Fi.
- Plug in the charging case, put the AirPods inside and close the lid.
- Keep everything within Bluetooth range and wait at least 30 minutes.
- Open the lid to reconnect, then check the firmware version again.
AirPods Max 2 works the same way, except you plug the charging cable into the bottom of the right earcup and leave the headphones in range for at least 30 minutes. If the update still won’t take, Apple says to reset your AirPods and try again.
The easiest trick is to do this overnight. Leave the case plugged in next to your iPhone before bed, and the update gets hours to install instead of minutes. If you’re shopping for a new pair, any AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4 you buy now should pick up 9B47 the same way after setup.
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