Apple has released new public beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. The update carries build number 8B5034f and is now available to both developers and public beta testers. Developers received the firmware last week, and public testers gained access on February 16, 2026.
The timing lines up with Apple’s ongoing iOS 26.4 beta cycle, suggesting the AirPods update may include under the hood changes designed to support upcoming features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. Apple has not published detailed release notes, which is typical for AirPods beta firmware.
The new AirPods beta firmware 8B5034f is limited to three models:
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AirPods Pro 3
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AirPods Pro 2
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AirPods 4
Current public firmware builds differ by model. AirPods Pro 3 are on 8B34, AirPods Pro 2 run 8B28, and AirPods 4 are on 8B21. With this beta, Apple is testing a unified build across all three supported models.
Starting with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple added a dedicated beta firmware installation option in the AirPods settings interface. When AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in with a beta-enabled Apple ID, users can opt in to receive beta firmware updates directly from Settings.
There is still no manual trigger for AirPods firmware installation. After enabling beta updates in the AirPods section of the Settings app, the firmware downloads and installs automatically in the background while the AirPods are charging and near the paired device.
As with any beta software, the AirPods beta firmware 8B5034f is intended for testing purposes. Users may encounter bugs or performance inconsistencies. Those who rely on their AirPods daily may prefer to wait for the final public release once testing concludes.
