Apple Releases Beta Firmware 8A279d for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with New Features

Apple has released a beta firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. The build number is 8A279d.

AirPods beta firmware for Apple Developer Program members enables development of features on iOS and macOS for AirPods. It also enables debugging of issues by Apple with log collection.

Some of the features coming soon to AirPods include camera remote control that lets you press and hold the stem to take a photo or start and stop video on your iPhone or iPad, studio-quality audio recording that uses AirPods as wireless microphones for capturing high-quality voice on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, improved call quality with clearer voice using Voice Isolation and beamforming mics, automatic pausing when AirPods detect you've fallen asleep, and seamless switching between iPhone and CarPlay audio. More details here.


Below are instructions on how to enroll in the testing program.

Important
Once installed on your AirPods, the beta software cannot be removed. Your device will continue to run this software until an updated non-beta software version is released. In the meantime, you'll automatically receive any additional beta software updates as long as you've enabled your AirPods to receive them using the installation steps below.

Supported devices
The AirPods Public Beta is currently supported on these models:
● AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
● AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning)
● AirPods 4
● AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Prerequisites
To get the AirPods beta, you'll need a device running a beta version of:
● macOS 26 or later
● iOS 26 or later


Enroll your devices
● Turn on beta updates

● [Coming soon] For Mac computers running macOS 26 beta or later:
To enable the AirPods beta, connect your AirPods to your Mac through the Bluetooth Settings. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the "AirPods Beta Updates". Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.

● For iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 beta or later:
To enable the AirPods beta, connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the "AirPods Beta Updates". Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.

Provide feedback
● Optionally enable AirPods Logging
The 'AirPods Analytics Data' setting generates files that allow Apple to troubleshoot issues with your AirPods device and helps Apple to improve its products and services. By default, logging is disabled. Once enabled, logging will remain enabled for 96 hours and automatically become disabled again.

● For Mac computers running macOS 26 beta or later:
To enable additional logging, connect your AirPods to your Mac computer. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. Scroll down to find "AirPods Beta Updates" and use the 'AirPods Analytics Data' toggle to enable additional logging.

● For iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 Beta or later:
To enable additional logging, connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Go to Settings >Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. Scroll down to find "AirPods Beta Updates" and use the 'AirPods Analytics Data' toggle to enable additional logging.

If you don't have AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, both models are on sale today:
● AirPods Pro 2: $169 ($80 off)
● AirPods 4 (with ANC): $148.99 ($30.01 off)
● AirPods 4: $99 ($30 off)