Apple has just dropped brand new firmware updates for the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, launching right as we anticipate the release of iOS 26.2.

While Apple often bundles firmware for multiple AirPods models, today's release features unique builds for each:

1. AirPods Pro 3: New firmware is 8B30 (up from 8B25).
2. AirPods Pro 2: New firmware is 8B28 (up from 8B21).

What's New? Potential iOS 26.2 Tie-In

As is typical, Apple hasn't yet updated its official AirPods firmware webpage with specific release notes. We expect the usual boilerplate "Bug fixes and other improvements."

However, the timing is interesting! With these updates arriving so close to the expected launch of iOS 26.2, there could be some more significant changes under the hood. For instance, iOS 26.2 is already confirmed to expand AirPods Live Translation to the EU, suggesting potential features or optimizations are included in these new firmware builds to support the upcoming operating system.

🛠️ How to Install the New AirPods Firmware

Unlike a standard iPhone software update, AirPods firmware updates aren't something you manually trigger. They happen automatically in the background when certain conditions are met.

Here are the steps directly from Apple to encourage the update:

1. Update Your Device: Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is on the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on.
2. Connect AirPods: Ensure your AirPods are currently connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Connect to Power & Wi-Fi: Connect both your charging case to power and your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
4. Wait: Put your AirPods in their charging case, close the lid, and keep them within Bluetooth range of your host device.
5. Be Patient: Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update automatically.
6. Verify: Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect, and then check the firmware version on your host device.

Have you already installed the new 8B30 (Pro 3) or 8B28 (Pro 2) firmware? If so, have you noticed any immediate changes, bug fixes, or performance improvements? Let us know in the comments below!