Apple now makes it easy to install prerelease AirPods firmware on your wireless earbuds. The company once reserved this option for only a select few developers. But now, anyone willing to put potentially buggy software on their AirPods can try upcoming features early.
The temptation is understandable. The upcoming iOS 26 brings a range of enhancements to Apple earbuds, but you need unreleased AirPods firmware to take advantage of them. Install the beta AirPods software, and you can try out improved audio recording, auto-pause when sleeping, and many other new features.
Feeling brave? Let’s go.
P.S. Not looking for the prerelease version? We also have a guide on how to install the regular non-beta AirPods software.
Warning: Read this first
Before you get started, don’t skim past an important warning. At this time, there’s no way to uninstall AirPods firmware. If you install a beta, you can only replaced it with a new beta version (or a full release version when that becomes available). There’s no way to return to a previous version.
So if beta AirPods firmware causes problems with an application you need or enjoy, you can’t walk it back. All you can do is hope the problem gets cleared up with the next version. Or buy new AirPods …
This is especially important because you also can’t do what we’d normally recommend: Put the beta on an old set of earbuds. The most recent prerelease firmware works only with AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
You’ve been warned.
How to install AirPods firmware early
The critical first step in installing prerelease AirPods firmware is putting iOS 26 on your iPhone. Or iPadOS 26 on your tablet, if you generally use the AirPods with your iPad. You can use the public betas released recently for this — you don’t need to be a developer.
Next, connect your AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 to your iPhone or iPad. This is as simple as opening the earbuds’ charging case while using the iDevice of your choice.
Screenshots: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Now, open the Settings app and look for your earbuds to near the top of the list. Tap on that item. This opens a screen with settings for the accessory. Scroll down until you see AirPods Beta Updates and tap on it.
As the final step, on the resulting screen, toggle on the switch next to AirPods Beta Updates.
Screenshots: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Now you have to wait for the AirPods firmware to be installed — it’s not as simple as pressing a button. “Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and nearby this iPhone,” says Apple. Give it some time, then check again later.
What comes with iOS 26 and new AirPods firmware
There are two reasons why you might be interested in trying out prerelease AirPods firmware. For one, it’s never been easier. But the main reason is that iOS 26 ushers in so many cool new features. You can use AirPods as a camera remote, or you can use your AirPods as an external microphone when recording videos. Plus, your AirPods automatically pause whatever’s playing when they detect you have fallen asleep. And they will automatically hand off to CarPlay.
That’s not all. There are other enhancements on the way. Be sure to read our guide on how iOS 26 will upgrade your AirPods experience for more details.
