It’s time to do this dance once more: Apple has launched a brand new beta firmware replace for its AirPods wi-fi headphones, and no one is certain what it does.
Firmware model 6E188, up from 6B34 launched in December, is presently in beta and, as reported by MacRumors, is obtainable to builders solely. (Due to this, it hasn’t but changed 6B34 on Apple’s firmware listings web page.) It’s for the second-gen AirPods Professional, and applies to each the USB-C and Lightning editions of that machine.
Apple has been testing iOS 17.4 for a few month and it’s resulting from arrive on telephones this coming week. It’s probably that this beta will arrive alongside that launch or shortly after.
However what does it truly do? No person outdoors of Apple truly is aware of–and that’s commonplace. A look on the firmware web page listed above exhibits that the final seven have all listed, below their launch notes, merely “Bug fixes and different enhancements.” Apple doesn’t actually inform individuals what firmware updates change about AirPods conduct, and even that boilerplate textual content is deceptive since usually there are solely “massive fixes” and no “different enhancements” in any respect.
At instances like this the very best strategy is to have a look at latest information tales to see if the AirPods fashions in query have any apparent high-profile bugs that may name for a repair. However there isn’t a lot to talk of regarding the AirPods Professional.
Apparently, the discussion board response to MacRumors’ information story does characteristic numerous complaints that the replace might conceivably be supposed to deal with, however they cowl a spread of points–computerized switching, inconsistent Bluetooth connection, lack of cost–none of which have been reported in massive volumes; these usually tend to be remoted points with particular person models somewhat than elementary issues that should be addressed on the firmware stage. (One cynic even hints that the replace could possibly be supposed to weaken the earbuds’ efficiency to make prospects extra probably to purchase an imminent new mannequin.)
Orindarily we’d say that one of the simplest ways to seek out out what the replace does is to put in it. (Or somewhat, watch for it to put in itself. It will routinely occur sooner or later within the close to future when the AirPods are of their case and charging.) However as this one is for devs solely we’ll all have to attend till it’s launched to most people.