Apple is pushing out an important AirPods Pro 2 update ahead of the full launch of iOS 18

Another firmware release

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Next month we’re almost certainly going to see theiPhone 16series get its grand unveiling, and alongside the handsets,Appleshould push outiOS 18to the masses too – and ahead of that software update, theAirPods Pro 2are getting an update of their own.

As reported by9to5Mac, Apple is now pushing out new firmware for the wireless earbuds. These firmware releases typically fix bugs and sometimes apply security patches, but this particular update also seems to be preparing the way for iOS 18.

Back atApple WWDC 2024in June we got the news that when iOS 18 arrives on your iPhone, it will enable some new head gestures on the AirPods Pro 2. For example, you’ll be able to accept or reject a callby nodding or shaking your head.

If you’re interested in the technicalities, we’ve got you covered: this latest firmware upgrade is 7A5290a, replacing 7A5266c. While there are no official release notes for it, it’s likely that the finishing touches are being made to iOS 18 compatibility.

New features on the way

If you’re wondering how to update your AirPods Pro 2, there’s actually no way to do it manually. Everything happens automatically in the background when the earbuds are connected to an iPhone that’s connected to the internet.

As for iOS 18, this will appear as an update on your iPhone underGeneralandSoftware Updatein Settings. You should be prompted to install the new software when it’s ready (it’s already gone through an extensivebeta testing process).

There’s lots more coming with the big 2024 update of course. Apple is adding some new home screen customization options, texting via satellite and RCS support, the ability to lock and hide apps, a revamped Control Center, and plenty more besides.

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It seems as though the much anticipatedApple Intelligencefeatures are going to be a little slower to roll out on top of iOS 18 , but we should hear more at the official iPhone 16 event – which should be announced any day now.

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Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

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