Apple AirPods

Following WWDC, Apple released the first developer betas for macOS Ventura, WatchOS 9, and iOS 16, but one unexpected release was a new beta firmware for AirPods. This is only the second time that a beta AirPods firmware has been released. Here’s how to give it a try (not that we would recommend it).

Following the release of the first betas of iOS 16 and macOS 13 earlier this week, Apple has now released a new AirPods beta firmware to developers. While this is not the first time Apple has released beta software for AirPods, it has only happened once in the past.

The latest market intelligence data on the wireless in-ear headphone market showed that AirPods shipments grew 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, but the fastest growth was seen in Beats products.

The technical term for the market in which AirPods compete is TWS (true wireless stereo), which is a rubbish name as really it refers to self-contained in-ear wireless headphones. This includes Beats Studio Buds, Beats Fit Pro, and Powerbeats Pro, but excludes Beats Flex, as anything with a neckband/external components is not self-contained …

“The music lives on” was how Apple discontinued the iPod touch. A few weeks later, the company is bringing very strong iPod-ad vibes by promoting the Spatial Audio feature on AirPods with the new Harry Style album that’s just been released.

Reports from both Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg over the last week have claimed that Apple could switch the iPhone from Lightning to USB-C for charging as soon as next year. Now, Kuo is doubling down further on this claim and said that Apple will also transition its other Lightning products, including AirPods, to USB-C on a similar timeline.

Apple is rolling out a new firmware version for AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro users today. The update rolling out today brings the two devices to firmware version 4E71. Head below for details on how to update.

Update: Apple has also now started rolling out a firmware update for AirPods Max, bringing the over-ear headphones to version 4E71 as well. The update is also now rolling out to AirPods 3.

The engineer who created the world’s first iPhone with a USB-C connector is back, this time taking on the task of bringing USB-C to the AirPods charging case. Ken Pillonel has shared a new video showcasing how he successfully switched out the Lightning port on the AirPods charging case for a USB-C port, and it’s fully functional.

Following up on the Snap 2-in-1, Native Union is out today with its latest MagSafe compatible wireless charging dock. The Snap 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger offers dedicated spots for iPhone 12 or 13, Apple Watch, and AirPods along with neat touches like a removable USB-C Apple Watch charger that can be used on its own.

Apple’s efforts to integrate AirPods into the Find My network are proving to be a headache for retailers and device refurbishes. According to a recent report from Insider, a refurbisher that works with Walmart and other retailers has been forced to “stockpile more than 30,000 affected AirPods over the course of just a few weeks” because of this issue…

If you’re looking to buy truly wireless AirPods from Apple, you have more options than ever from which to choose. Apple’s lineup of truly AirPods currently consists of AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro. Each of these are unique in their own ways, so head below as we recap all of the similarities and differences between the AirPods available today…

Since Apple introduced lossless audio to Apple Music, the limitations of Bluetooth technology when it comes to bandwidth have become very clear. However, as the world moves toward a future with wireless headphones, companies have been working to deliver lossless audio over a wireless connection – which is exactly what Qualcomm has just announced.

AirPods have become a huge success since they were introduced in 2016, and Apple has already expanded its lineup of wireless headphones – which also includes Beats products. According to a Statista survey, Apple leads the headphone market in the United States “by a considerable distance” thanks to AirPods and Beats.

The process of updating AirPods firmware is quite confusing, as there’s no manual way to download and install a new firmware, or even any indicators on the progress of the update. While this remains true, macOS 12.3 beta finally allows AirPods to be updated from a Mac.

While most current Apple devices can verify your identity by fingerprint or face recognition, Apple is also considering adding biometric identification to future AirPods.

A patent application describes two potential ways that AirPods could confirm your identity before allowing access to sensitive data, like asking Siri to read your messages…

A newly-granted Apple patent suggests that the company may be planning to use optical audio transmission from AR/VR headsets to AirPods.

The patent could align with recent comments made by Apple’s head of acoustics about the limitations of Bluetooth bandwidth…

AirBuddy is a popular macOS app that enhances the experience of using AirPods and Beats headphones with a Mac. Created by developer and 9to5Mac contributor Guilherme Rambo, the app has now been updated to version 2.5 – which comes with Shortcuts integration, improved Magic Handoff, support for other headphones, and more.

A woman in New Jersey is crediting the ability to use Siri with her AirPods as saving her life after a fall. As reported by People, Susan Putman was working in her floral studio alone when she tripped and “hit her head on a sharp metal pole.” Had she not been wearing her AirPods, Putman says she believes she “would have died.”

LINE, the company behind the MacBook Pro battery/storage/I/O companion LINEDOCK (full review) is revealing some unique new products at CES today. LINESTAND is a fresh take on a multidevice MagSafe charger that offers a floating experience via VESA mount and LINECLOUD is looking to shake up the NAS market.