Apple will offer public beta updates of the upcoming firmware for AirPods for the first time, the company has announced. Following the WWDC 2025 keynote address last week, the Cupertino-based tech giant rolled out the first developer beta update for its audio devices with several new features in tow. However, those who are not registered Apple developers will now also be able to experience the new features once the public beta is introduced.
Public Beta Update for AirPods
In a newsroom post, Apple announced that it will offer a public beta for the AirPods for the first time starting July. It will be introduced alongside the first public beta updates of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and other firmware. The update is said to be available through the Apple Beta Software Program which grants users access to beta updates which are not commercially released yet.
By enrolling their devices, they can try out the corresponding new features. They can also provide feedback to Apple for any bugs or glitches that they encounter, via the Feedback Assistant app.
As per the company, the public beta firmware will be available for the following models in Apple’s AirPods lineup:
- AirPods 4
- AirPods 4 (With ANC)
- AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
To enable AirPods beta:
- Navigate to Settings on iPhone > Bluetooth.
- Select (i) next to your paired AirPods to open AirPods settings.
- In AirPods settings, scroll down to find AirPods Beta Updates and toggle beta software updates.
However, to get the AirPods public beta update, users are required to have an iPhone or a Mac computer running a beta version of iOS 26 and macOS 26, respectively. However, support for enabling beta via Mac is not yet available and is listed as “coming soon”.
Apple emphasises that once installed, the beta software cannot be removed from the AirPods until a non-beta version of the firmware has been rolled out. Users will automatically receive additional beta software updates as long as the AirPods have been enabled to receive them.
