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Apple's AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4 Get Firmware Update With New iOS 26 Features

Apple's AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4 Get Firmware Update With New iOS 26 Features

Audio recording while wearing AirPods now supports Apple’s new “studio-quality” standard, which is claimed to deliver clearer and more refined sound.

Written by Sucharita Ganguly, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 16 September 2025 10:45 IST

Apple's AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4 Get Firmware Update With New iOS 26 Features

Photo Credit: Apple

AirPods Pro 3 (pictured) was unveiled on September 9 at Apple's latest launch event

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Highlights

Live Translation uses Apple Intelligence for real-time translation
The update lets AirPods auto-switch Bluetooth connections with CarPlay
Camera Remote lets you take photos by squeezing your AirPods’ stems

Apple has started rolling out the iOS 26 update for eligible iPhone models, after it showcased the operating system update and its new Liquid Glass design at WWDC 2025 in June. The Cupertino-based tech giant continues its tradition of adding new AirPods features through yearly firmware updates. The updated AirPods firmware is available alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other software, bringing a range of new features. With iOS 26, AirPods users, especially those with AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, or the new AirPods Pro 3, gain access to several new features.

Apple Firmware Update Brings iOS 26 Features to AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, AirPods 4

Apple is rolling out AirPods firmware version 8A356 for some models, adding various new features, according to a 9to5 Mac report. With the iOS 26 updates and new AirPods firmware, users get up to seven features, including sleep detection pause, battery alerts, CarPlay switching, Live Translation, studio-quality recording, Camera Remote, and improved call voice quality.

Supported AirPods models can now detect when you fall asleep and automatically pause playback, the report added. In addition to stopping playback when they fall asleep while listening to music, it is also relevant in terms of podcast and audiobook playback.

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iOS 26 also reportedly adds AirPods charging reminders, sending notifications when the case is running low and when it's fully charged. The update allows the AirPods to automatically switch Bluetooth connections with CarPlay for the first time as well.

AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, or the latest AirPods Pro 3 users receive access to four additional features, as per the report. One of them is Live Translation, currently in beta, which leverages Apple Intelligence to support real-time conversations with people who speak a different language.

The Live Translation Feature on the AirPods Pro 3 Is Coming to These Models

Audio recording now benefits from Apple's new “studio-quality” standard, delivering clearer and more refined sound with the latest update, according to the report. The Camera Remote feature functions similarly to the Apple Watch app, allowing you to take photos or videos by squeezing the AirPods' stems, with customisation available in Settings. Lastly, the update is also said to bring a better voice quality on calls.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Apple AirPods 4 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Classic design with improved controls
Comfortable fit
State-of-the-art charging case
Very good battery life
Flexible, eager sound quality
Excellent ANC and transparency modes

Bad
Some features only work on Apple devices
Somewhat expensive

Read detailed Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones review

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

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Further reading: AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, AirPods, Apple, iOS 26

Sucharita Ganguly

Email Sucharita Ganguly

Sucharita is a writer with Gadgets 360 and is mostly found playing with her cat in her free time. She has previously worked at breaking news desks across organizations. Powered by coffee, The Beatles, Bowie, and her newfound love for BTS, she aims to work towards contributing to a better media environment for women and queer folk. More