Apple has begun rolling out AirPods firmware 8A358, the latest update for AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max. The new firmware focuses on Bluetooth stability, adaptive audio reliability, and overall integration with iOS 18, following reports of minor connectivity issues in recent months.
The update is now available globally and installs automatically when the AirPods are charging and connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest software. While Apple hasn’t provided detailed release notes, early user feedback and developer analysis suggest meaningful improvements in wireless performance, battery management, and audio consistency during calls and media playback.
What’s New in AirPods Firmware 8A358
Though Apple traditionally keeps firmware changes under wraps, several updates have been confirmed through testing and developer reports. Version 8A358 appears to fine-tune features introduced earlier this year with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, including Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness.
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Adaptive Audio stability: Users report smoother transitions between noise cancellation and transparency modes when moving between different sound environments, particularly in busy urban areas or during air travel.
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Bluetooth connection reliability: Pairing and device switching are now faster and more consistent, especially between iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
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Battery management improvements: Firmware 8A358 includes refined power calibration, leading to more accurate battery readings and slightly better endurance over extended listening sessions.
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Voice detection tuning: Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers media volume when someone speaks nearby, now performs more naturally, reducing false triggers in crowded settings.
These refinements align with Apple’s ongoing goal of making AirPods respond more intelligently to user context — a focus that has become central to its broader audio ecosystem.
Designed for iOS 18 Integration
Firmware 8A358 is also designed to better sync AirPods with iOS 18’s new sound intelligence framework, which ties AirPods behavior more closely to system-level audio control. This includes faster recognition of AirPods when switching between devices signed in with the same Apple ID and improved support for Siri’s on-device processing.
Siri responsiveness through AirPods has noticeably improved under the new firmware, with shorter delays between voice prompts and actions. Additionally, users who recently updated to iOS 18.0.1 report fewer dropped connections during video calls and while using FaceTime’s new spatial audio enhancements.
For AirPods Max, firmware 8A358 refines active noise cancellation and improves microphone sensitivity during calls. The update also addresses a minor issue that occasionally caused inconsistent volume levels when using the Digital Crown for manual control.
Automatic Installation and Compatibility
As with previous AirPods firmware releases, users cannot manually trigger the update. The firmware installs automatically when AirPods are connected to a power source and paired with an Apple device over Bluetooth.
To check if the update has been applied:
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Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
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Navigate to Bluetooth.
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Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods name.
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Look for Version 8A358 under “About.”
Firmware 8A358 applies to:
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AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
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AirPods (3rd generation)
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AirPods Max
Refining an Already Mature Platform
Apple’s incremental approach to AirPods software has proven effective over time. Rather than introducing major new features with each firmware update, the company continues to refine sound processing, Bluetooth performance, and environmental adaptability — areas where subtle improvements can greatly enhance daily use.
While this update doesn’t introduce headline-grabbing features, users are reporting noticeable gains in overall consistency, particularly when using Adaptive Audio and Spatial Sound features introduced earlier in the year.
With rumors of the next-generation AirPods Pro expected in 2026, firmware updates like 8A358 serve to stabilize and optimize the current lineup — keeping the user experience seamless across Apple’s expanding ecosystem of devices.
