Apple has officially released the first developer beta firmware for AirPods, arriving alongside the initial developer beta of iOS 27. Announced during WWDC 2026, this update integrates several highly anticipated features and introduces a significantly streamlined installation process compared to previous years.
The new firmware package is compatible with the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. A major highlight of the update is the introduction of a customizable equalizer, filling a long-standing gap in the product’s audio settings. Additionally, the firmware enables direct heart rate monitoring synchronization between the AirPods Pro 3 and Apple GymKit, making fitness data management more efficient for users.
No major Siri enhancements were included in this release, despite Apple’s broader plans to upgrade the assistant utilizing Google Gemini capabilities. Notably, the AirPods Max 2 are excluded from this initial wave; their beta firmware will become available with the release of the second developer betas for iOS 27 and macOS 27.
Apple has also simplified the beta installation process. Instead of requiring developers to connect their devices to a Mac running Xcode, users can now opt-in directly from their iPhones. To install the update, users simply navigate to the device configurations within the Settings app and toggle on the “AirPods Beta Updates” option. Once enabled, the download and installation take place automatically in the background.
How to install
To access these new AirPods features, the paired iPhone must also be running the iOS 27 developer beta. After that, access the device configurations within the Settings app and toggle on the “AirPods Beta Updates” option. Once that is done, the download and installation will occur silently and automatically in the background.
However, installation on primary devices is currently discouraged, as the operating system is in its earliest testing phase and may contain critical bugs or performance instabilities. Users seeking a more reliable experience can wait for the public beta scheduled for release in July, which typically offers greater stability before the final software rollout.