How to update Apple AirPods firmware & get spatial audio

Apple’s new spatial audio is a cool new feature on the highly coveted AirPods Max. But did you know if you already own the AirPods Pro, you now get this feature without having to spend extra dollars on a headphone upgrade?

There are other reasons for making certain your AirPods or AirPods Pro are up to date; if they’re not working well or you’re looking for new features, or bug fixes, a firmware update is what you need.

How to update Apple AirPods firmware & get spatial audio

Apple spatial audio makes it feel as if the sound is coming from more places in the space around you; whether that's screen of your iPhone or from elsewhere. It means the sound is not just beaming into your ears from next to your head. It’s a more realistic and natural way of hearing audio.

This is an extraordinarily difficult concept to put into words, so keep watching to see how you can test it out, right on your phone. Yes, Apple helpfully includes a demo!

How can you tell if AirPods Pro or Max have up to date firmware?

To get spatial audio on your AirPods Pro, you need to make sure the firmware is current.

The good news is that for most users, this firmware update will happen automatically without any intervention on your part, but you can check if your AirPods Pro are running the latest version.

First, make sure your phone's iOS is current. Next, check your AirPods Max or AirPods Pro firmware. Go to Settings , General , About. You’ll probably need to scroll way down to see it, but you should see AirPods Pro or your AirPods in the list. (If your iPhone isn’t up to date, you may not even see this setting, particularly if you have AirPods Pro.) Tap them and if firmware version shows 3A283, you have the latest update… at least as of the date of this article.

How to try spatial audio - how do you know spatial audio is working?

Here’s how to get a quick and easy demonstration of spatial audio.

Ensure spatial audio is enabled by visiting Settings , Bluetooth, and click on the "i" for the AirPods Pro (or AirPods Max). Make sure Spatial Audio is turned on and is green.

Right below that setting is See and hear how it works. Click this line of blue text and select Spatial Audio from the slider bar near the top. The feature is especially noticeable if you switch between Stereo Audio and Spatial Audio. This feature totally adds another dimension to sound.

That’s how to get the most out of your AirPods Pro. If you have other questions about using your Apple devices, post in comments. I’d love to hear from you.

[HectorTx]

The title is miss leading, this is supposed to tell us how to update the firm ware. Not what the firm ware does.

[DukeJnr]

My Firmware Version is 2D27 and I’ve been trying to update this since I got my AirPods Pro and it’s not working I’ve even contacted Apple and though I’m still having the same issues updating the firmware....The worst thing is that I can’t even find the Spatial Audio Feature on this AirPods Pro 🤦🤦🤦

[keepinitbassyusa]

Cannot turn on Spatial. It is there but greyed out. Doesn't turn on. iPhone X. Phone updated. AirPod Pro firmware version 4A400.

[Seanjoliex]

Mine just says “done” in a blue bottom but the icon is gray and wont even turn on.

[billfong]

Thanks Erin, I haven't upgraded my AirPod Pro.

[saintly_guy]

Why dont write “Pro”? Why confuse ppl?

[jomesxyz]

No firmware shows up on my AirPods they are legit serial number checks out as legit lol