Apple Releases AirPods Firmware Update With Spatial Audio, Automatic Switching

Apple has released a firmware update for AirPods that introduces support for Spatial Audio and Automatic Switching. These are iOS 14 features so you'll need to be on the beta to try them out!

The 3A283 firmware update is available for both AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro; however, Spatial Audio is only available on AirPods Pro.

AirPods gain the ability to seamlessly switch between Apple devices with automatic device switching. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking brings a theater-like experience to AirPods Pro. By applying directional audio filters, and subtly adjusting the frequencies each ear receives, sounds can be placed virtually anywhere in a space to provide an immersive listening experience.


You can check the firmware version of your AirPods Pro via the Settings > General > About > AirPods menu. To upgrade your AirPods to the new firmware, try plugging them in to charge near a paired iPhone with Internet connectivity. They'll usually update within five minutes or so.

Once you've updated, and if you're on iOS 14, there will be a new Spatial Audio toggle in Control Center. To experience Spatial Audio, try playing a movie or TV show with support for the feature like 'For All Mankind' from Apple TV+.

If you don't already have AirPods Pro, Amazon has them on sale today for $199, that's $50 off and their lowest price ever!

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