Apple rolls out firmware updates for AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and Beats Studio Buds

At a glance:

• Apple released firmware version 8B41 for AirPods Pro 3 and 8B41 for AirPods Pro 2, upgrading from 8B40 and 8B39 respectively.
• Beats Studio Buds received firmware update 1B211, improving from version 1B204.
• New Apple Card holders can earn up to $250 in cash back on AirPods Pro 3 purchases through a limited-time promotion.

Firmware Updates for AirPods Pro Models

Apple has quietly pushed new firmware updates to its premium wireless earbuds, targeting both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 now run on firmware version 8B41, an incremental bump from 8B40, while the AirPods Pro 2 moves to 8B41 from 8B39. As with most Apple firmware releases, the company has not disclosed detailed changelogs, instead directing users to a sparse support document that typically lists only generic bug fixes and performance optimizations. These updates are automatically delivered when AirPods are paired with an iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device connected to Wi-Fi, though users must ensure their earbuds are in the charging case and powered for at least 30 minutes to complete the process.

The update mechanism remains consistent with Apple’s ecosystem approach: users need only place their AirPods in the charging case, connect the case to power, and keep it closed while the device downloads and installs the firmware. If the update does not apply immediately, repeating the process after 30 minutes is recommended. While Apple does not typically highlight major feature additions in minor firmware bumps, these updates may include refinements to active noise cancellation, spatial audio performance, or connectivity stability—areas where the company has historically iterated post-launch.

Beats Studio Buds Firmware Update

In addition to the AirPods Pro updates, Apple has also released firmware version 1B211 for the Beats Studio Buds, upgrading from the previous 1B204 build. Like the AirPods updates, this release is expected to focus on bug fixes and performance enhancements rather than new features. The Beats Studio Buds, positioned as a more affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, have received fewer firmware updates since their 2021 debut, making this a notable maintenance release for users of the model.

Apple Card Promotion Details

Apple has launched a new promotional offer tied to its Apple Card, providing new cardholders with the opportunity to recoup the cost of AirPods Pro 3 through cash-back incentives. To qualify, customers must open a new Apple Card account and purchase AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple by June 15, 2026. From July 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, eligible users can receive $25 in monthly cash back over a 10-month period, totaling up to $250, provided they meet minimum transaction requirements each month. This promotion mirrors earlier Apple Card offers that tied rewards to Apple product purchases, though the recurring spend condition adds a layer of complexity for users hoping to claim the full rebate.

The promotion underscores Apple’s strategy of bundling financial services with hardware sales, leveraging its closed-loop ecosystem to drive adoption of both the Apple Card and AirPods Pro 3. However, the June 15 purchase deadline and the extended rebate period through 2027 suggest a targeted push to boost AirPods Pro 3 sales during a competitive period for wireless earbuds. Users should note that the cash-back structure requires consistent spending, making the offer more beneficial for frequent Apple customers rather than casual buyers.

Custom EQ Feature Coming Soon

Apple has also previewed a custom equalizer (EQ) feature set to debut with its next-generation software updates, allowing users to manually adjust audio output on AirPods devices. This marks a shift from the fixed audio profiles that have defined AirPods since their introduction, offering listeners greater control over bass, treble, and mid-range frequencies. The feature is part of broader software enhancements expected to roll out alongside iOS 19 and macOS 15, though Apple has not specified which AirPods models will support the customization.

Custom EQ functionality has long been a staple of third-party audio apps and competing earbuds, making this addition a welcome upgrade for audiophiles and casual users alike. While the exact implementation details remain unclear, the move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine the user experience across its hardware lineup, particularly in areas where competitors like Sony and Bose have traditionally held an edge.

What to Watch Next

Apple’s firmware updates and software previews arrive amid intensifying competition in the wireless earbuds market, where rivals like Samsung, Sony, and Google continue to innovate on features such as adaptive sound control and health monitoring. The custom EQ feature, in particular, could influence how Apple positions AirPods Pro models in future marketing campaigns, especially as the company prepares for potential hardware refreshes in late 2026. Meanwhile, the Apple Card promotion may signal a broader push to integrate financial incentives into hardware launches, a tactic that could become more prevalent as Apple expands its services revenue.

Users should monitor Apple’s developer forums and support pages for additional details on the firmware updates, particularly if reports of specific bugs or performance issues emerge. For those considering the Apple Card offer, the June 15 deadline and rebate structure warrant careful planning to maximize benefits. As for the custom EQ, early adopters of iOS 19 betas may get a first look at the feature ahead of its public release.