What you need to know
- Apple announced earlier this year that it was bringing beta firmware to AirPods Pro.
- The feature is now live, and people on Apple's developer program can update to beta firmware through Apple's Developer Website.
- The first beta iteration features FaceTime Spatial Audio and Ambient Noise Reduction.
Users of Apple's AirPods Pro who are also on the company's developer program can now access and download beta versions of firmware for the device, giving them early access to new features.
As noted by MacRumors the new service is now available after Apple announced the move back in June.
Beta firmware releases will let some users try out new features for AirPods Pro early, and the first iteration includes FaceTime Spatial Audio and Ambient Noise Reduction, as MR notes it was expected to include Custom Transparency mode and Conversation Boost, but these are absent.
To download beta firmware, you'll need access to Apple's developer website, and the new update can be found in the 'more downloads' section. You'll also need an iPhone running the beta of iOS 15 and a Mac with Xcode 13. According to MacRumors, you'll also need an AirPods Pro configuration profile on your iPhone:
It requires an AirPods Pro configuration profile to be installed on an iPhone, AirPods Pro to be connected to the iPhone, the iPhone to be connected to a Mac running the Xcode 13 beta, iPhone Prerelease Beta Firmware settings to be turned on, AirPods Pro automatic beta software updates to be turned on, and then an on-screen process to be followed.
Apple says the updates can take up to 24 hours, and that once you've updated there's no going back. Testing AirPods Pro beta firmware definitely isn't for the faint-hearted, but might be worth it for some to get their hands on some key new features early!
You can get your hands on Apple's AirPods Pro for less than $200 in these best AirPods deals.
