Wired
Apple released the fifth beta version of iOS16 this week. In this version, when the user connects the AirPods to the iPhone, and opens the iPhone settings – general – about this machine, viewing AirPods can not only view the current firmware version number of the accessory, but also click Firmware version opens a new page.
In addition, users can find this information by tapping the app AirPods’ new top-level menu through Settings, rather than going directly to the Bluetooth menu.
At the bottom of this information, there is a new description: “Firmware details are available at support.apple.com” and a hyperlink. At present, clicking on this link cannot jump to visit, because Apple’s official support website has not actually published related articles.
It is foreseeable that when Apple releases new AirPods in the future, when the firmware is updated, this support documentation page can be displayed. AirPods users will be able to click this link to view the new release notes, what changes and new features have been brought by the firmware upgrade. Reddit users speculated that this could be similar to Apple’s release notes for AirTag.
Additionally, it could also mean that Apple is preparing a way for users to manually update the AirPods to a new firmware version. Generally speaking, there is no clear upgrade method for AirPods. AirPods put it in the box. When it is close to the iPhone, the AirPods will automatically update in the background, but the specific update time is uncertain, and there may be a certain delay.
With iOS currently in beta 16, it’s still a small change, but it could be a sign that Apple officials are starting to improve the AirPods software update process, with an intention to clarify to users what’s new with each firmware update.