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Apple lists firmware 8B39 for both AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The official release note says only “Bug fixes and other improvements”; Apple has not identified a new feature or specified changes to sound, battery life, noise cancellation, or connectivity. AirPods firmware updates install automatically, so there is no ordinary “Update Now” button.
What’s in AirPods 4 firmware 8B39?
Apple’s AirPods firmware support page lists 8B39 for both AirPods 4 models:
| Model | Current listed firmware |
|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | 8B39 |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | 8B39 |
Apple’s complete published note for 8B39 is “Bug fixes and other improvements.” It does not say which bugs were fixed or describe a specific feature or performance change. That means the update may be routine maintenance; the release note does not establish that it improves audio, ANC, battery life, calls, or Bluetooth reliability.
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Apple’s support page carries a June 16, 2026 date, but that is not confirmation of the firmware’s exact rollout date. The reliable check is the version Apple currently lists, not an assumed release day.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
How to check your AirPods firmware version
Connect or open your AirPods near the paired device, then look up the version in its Bluetooth settings.
On iPhone or iPad
- Make sure the device is running the latest iOS or iPadOS available to it.
- Open Settings, then tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info button beside your AirPods.
- Scroll to About and check Firmware Version.
On Mac
- Make sure the Mac is running the latest macOS available to it.
- Choose Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth.
- Click the Info button beside your AirPods and check the firmware version.
If the AirPods are not shown, connect them to the device first and check again.
How to install firmware 8B39
AirPods firmware installs automatically when Apple’s recommended conditions are met. There is no user-facing firmware download or manual install command. Apple recommends this sequence:
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
- Update the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest available operating system.
- Turn on Bluetooth and connect the AirPods to that device.
- Connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Put both AirPods in their charging case and connect the case to power.
- Close the case and leave it closed for at least 30 minutes, within Bluetooth range of the Wi-Fi-connected device.
- Reconnect the AirPods, then check the firmware version again using the steps above.
“At least 30 minutes” is Apple’s recommended waiting period, not a guarantee that installation will finish on a precise schedule. If the version has not changed, leave the setup in place longer before checking again.
If the update does not appear
Check the basics first: the AirPods are connected over Bluetooth, the host device has Wi-Fi, and the charging case is connected to power. Keep the closed case near the paired device, wait longer than the minimum, then reconnect the AirPods and look at the version again.
If the firmware still does not update, Apple recommends resetting the AirPods and trying the automatic process again. A reset is a troubleshooting step, not a command that forces firmware installation. If you do not have access to a compatible Apple device, an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider may be able to update them.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Don’t confuse 8B39 with Live Translation
Apple lists Live Translation for AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, and subject to supported languages and regions. It is not listed as a new 8B39 feature, and the standard non-ANC AirPods 4 do not have the same stated support. Firmware alone cannot add the feature to a model that does not support it. See Apple’s AirPods 4 product information for model and feature details.
AirPods 4 require compatible Apple devices running at least iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia, according to Apple’s technical specifications. Some capabilities need newer software or specific hardware, so having 8B39 does not by itself guarantee access to every feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Stable firmware versus beta firmware
Apple’s current stable firmware listing identifies 8B39; it does not label it as a beta. AirPods beta firmware is a separate developer program, not a way to force the public update. Apple says beta firmware cannot be removed immediately: AirPods continue to run it until a newer non-beta version becomes available. See Apple’s beta software guidance before considering enrollment.
Rank #4
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Do AirPods 4 owners need to buy a new pair?
No. 8B39 applies to both AirPods 4 models, so owners can use the automatic update process without replacing their earbuds. Apple’s brief notes do not establish a noticeable benefit that would make buying another pair worthwhile just for this firmware.
If you are choosing a model for other reasons, compare the features you actually want: the ANC version adds noise-control features and has the Live Translation support described above. The standard AirPods 4 and ANC model remain distinct products; a firmware update cannot turn one into the other. Check Apple’s model comparison and current U.S. store listing for current product details and prices, which can change.
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