Apple Releases AirPods Beta Firmware 9B5045a
Apple has made beta firmware available for several AirPods models for developers, with installation requiring a few hours of charging and connection.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Apple released new beta firmware with build number 9B5045a for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware is rolling out to developers, and Apple does not provide release notes for AirPods beta releases.
Why it matters
Beta firmware gives developers early access to changes before a public release, though Apple has not published details on what the update contains. Because AirPods lack a standard software update option, users must follow a specific process to receive new firmware.
The beta carries build number 9B5045a and covers five AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. Apple has not published release notes, so the specific changes in this build remain unconfirmed.
The players
Apple
Apple is the American technology company that designs and sells the AirPods line of wireless earbuds and the iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems referenced in the update requirements.
The details
Developers can enable beta updates in the AirPods settings interface on a device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later. Firmware is downloaded by connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and to power, and installation can take a few hours because AirPods have no standard software update option.
Timeline
- 2026-11-03
Apple released AirPods beta firmware build 9B5045a.
Big Picture
Apple's AirPods rely on firmware delivered through a paired Apple device rather than a standalone update option, a model this beta continues. The release extends that pattern to developers testing build 9B5045a across five current AirPods models.
Users who enable beta updates must keep their AirPods connected to an Apple device and power for a few hours to complete installation. Beta firmware may also carry stability risks, so users who prefer a stable setup should wait for the public release.
The takeaway
Enabling beta firmware means accepting that Apple provides no release notes and that installation takes hours. Readers who want predictable AirPods performance should wait for a public firmware release.
Further reading
For more on Apple's broader technology development, explore the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MacRumors.
