Apple has made new beta firmware for the AirPods 4, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2 available to developers and public beta testers. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a.
We don’t know what’s changed or included in the firmware update, as Apple doesn’t offer release notes for AirPods beta firmware.
Since iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple has added a beta firmware update installation option in the AirPods settings interface when there are AirPods connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Developers and public beta testers can use the beta option to turn on beta downloads.
As with any betas, this firmware should only be installed on AirPods set aside for testing purposes. Never install beta firmware on your daily driver earbuds.