Following the release of iOS 27 beta 2, Apple is rolling out the first firmware beta for AirPods Max 2, alongside second beta builds for other supported AirPods models. Here are the details.

When Apple released the first iOS 27 and macOS 27 betas, it said AirPods Max 2 would soon join AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 and 2 in supporting beta firmware updates.

Yesterday, the company released iOS 27 beta 2 and macOS 27 beta 2, delivering on that promise. And just now, Apple rolled out the first-ever beta firmware update to AirPods Max 2, alongside new beta firmware builds for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods (4th gen), AirPods (4th gen, ANC), and AirPods Pro 3.

All supported models received version 9.0.304, build 9A5304b.

As Apple announced during the WWDC26 keynote, upcoming AirPods features include custom EQ and Apple GymKit syncing. You can read more about that here.

Here’s Apple’s official guide to enrolling eligible AirPods in the firmware beta program:

• Turn on beta updates
• For Mac computers running macOS 27 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 27 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. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the “AirPods Beta Updates”. Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.

Apple notes that once users turn on the “AirPods Beta Updates” switch, “firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and nearby” the paired iPhone or Mac.

Have you been testing out the new AirPods firmware? Let us know in the comments.

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