Apple earlier this week released new firmware for its AirPods Max high-end over-the-ear headphones. The new firmware, designated “3C39,” is the second firmware release since their initial December release.
According to reports on the web, the new firmware addresses a battery life problem that users had been experiencing. Complaints included high battery drain while the headphones are in use to significant loss of charge while the headphones are idle. Some AirPods Max headphones also were seeing excessive battery drain while in the Smart Case.
Developer Guilherme Rambo tested AirPods Max battery drain before and after the firmware update and he believes the firmware update fixed the issue.
AirPods Max battery usage in the Smart Case before and after the latest firmware update. I think they’ve fixed it. pic.twitter.com/upFLBw85Oq
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) March 12, 2021
In addition to Rambo’s testing, numerous reports on the web suggest the AirPods Max battery drain issue has been fixed.
9to5Mac reports that the firmware update appears to put the AirPods Max into an ultralow-power mode after 30 minutes. Prior to the update, AirPods Max would go into a low power mode when placed in the case, and would not go into ultralow-power mode after 18 hours.
While there isn’t any way to manually update the firmware of the earbuds, the new software will be installed over-the-air while the AirPods Max are connected to an iOS device.
Here’s how to check the firmware version of your AirPods max earbuds:
- Make sure your Airpods Max are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap “General.”
- Tap “About.”
- Scroll down to “AirPods,” and tap that.
- The current firmware version number is listed under “Firmware Version.” If the AirPods Max have been updated, they’ll show as version “3C39.”
