Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods — Which Models Can Get It?

Developers can now download a new AirPods beta firmware. According to Apple, this allows for the development of AirPods-related features on iOS and macOS, as well as the debugging of issues. Apart from "improvements to Automatic Switching," it's unclear what's new in the update.

Which Models Can Get the Updates

Only the second-generation AirPods, third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are supported with the beta firmware. For the time being, the first-generation AirPods haven't received the update, as per the report by 9to5Mac.

How To Install the Beta Firmware

According to Mac Rumors, through the Developer Portal, Apple provides instructions for installing the latest firmware. The basic requirements for this firmware is for the developers to have an iPhone running iOS 16 beta, a Mac running macOS Ventura beta, Xcode 14 beta, and of course, a supporting AirPods to install the beta software.

They can follow these steps if they match the requirements:

• AirPods must be paired with an iPhone

• Using a Lightning cord, connect the iPhone to a Mac

• On the Mac, launch Xcode 14 beta

• Navigate to Settings, the choose "Developer"

• Click on the "Pre-Release Beta Firmware" under the "AirPods Testing" section

The beta update may take up to 24 hours to receive and install on AirPods, according to Apple. The tech behemoth also claims that once installed, the beta firmware will continue to work on the AirPods until a non-beta software update is issued. In the meanwhile, any additional beta software updates will be delivered automatically.

Did You Know That AirPods Are Not Only Used To Listen to Music?

Last month, the German Formula One racer Sebastian Vettel had his backpack stolen outside a hotel in Barcelona. Instead of heading straight to the cops, the racer used his iPhone's Find My app to track the whereabouts of his possessions in real time.

You might wonder how he tracked down the robber. It's none other than his AirPods, of course.

Let us go through the details of the incident.

As previously reported, Vettel had parked his Aston Martin at a hotel in Barcelona when the incident occurred. Before fleeing, the robbers took advantage of the opportunity to grab a backpack from the car.

It was reported that the four-time Formula One champion did not immediately notify the authorities and instead chose to handle the situation himself. And instead, Vettel hopped on an electric scooter and used the Find My app to search for his AirPods, which were stashed in his backpack.

As he tracked the thieves through the city, he was subsequently joined by police, who advised him to lodge a formal complaint at a station rather than continue the chase.

Unfortunately, despite the chase, the robbers appear to have been aware that the Find My app can track AirPods, so they dumped the earphones on the street and left with the bag and what was inside.