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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11AirPods firmware 8A356 introduced several iOS 26-era improvements, but it is no longer the current version for AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4: Apple lists 9A348 for both AirPods Pro 2 case variants, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The broad recording and communication improvements cover both AirPods 4 variants and AirPods Pro 2, while Live Translation specifically requires AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or AirPods Pro 2, plus a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, supported language, and eligible region.
At a glance: which AirPods get which iOS 26 features?
Apple’s 8A356 release notes describe recording, communication, camera-remote, charging-reminder, switching, and sleep-related improvements for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2. Live Translation has narrower eligibility: Apple names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro 2, not standard AirPods 4.
| Feature described by Apple | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio-quality audio recording improvements | Yes, with supported devices and apps | Yes, with supported devices and apps | Yes, with supported devices and apps |
| More natural voice quality in calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-enabled apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera remote using the AirPods stem | Yes, with Camera or compatible third-party camera apps | Yes, with Camera or compatible third-party camera apps | Yes, with Camera or compatible third-party camera apps |
| Charging-reminder improvements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Switching including CarPlay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pause media after inactivity for sleep | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Translation | No | Yes, subject to device, language, and region requirements | Yes, subject to device, language, and region requirements |
| Hearing Aid experience improvements | Not listed for this model | Not listed for this model | Yes, for users of the Hearing Aid feature |
These are feature-eligibility distinctions from Apple’s firmware notes, not a general sound-quality or value ranking. Check Apple’s AirPods firmware release notes and current product information when identifying a model.
What firmware 8A356 added
Firmware 8A356 is the historical release associated with a group of iOS 26-era AirPods improvements. Apple’s release notes describe the features below; requirements vary by feature and include supported devices, operating systems, apps, languages, or regions.
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- 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.*
Recording and communication improvements
For AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2, Apple says 8A356 improves vocal texture and clarity for studio-quality audio recording when using Camera, Voice Memos, and dictation in Messages. Apple also describes more natural voice quality in calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-enabled apps.
“Studio-quality” is Apple’s description of the improvement, not a published professional recording specification. The release notes do not establish a guaranteed bit depth, bitrate, frequency response, or sample rate for every app. For controlled interviews, music, or other professional production, use equipment with recording specifications suited to the work rather than assuming any AirPods app workflow is a substitute.
Camera remote
Apple says a press-and-hold action on the AirPods stem can act as a camera remote in the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad. App and device support may vary.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Live Translation
Live Translation is not supported on standard AirPods 4. Apple names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro 2 for this feature. It also requires the latest firmware, an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, and supported language and regional availability.
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Hearing Aid improvements on AirPods Pro 2
For AirPods Pro 2 users of the Hearing Aid feature with supported iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 devices, Apple says 8A356 makes the wearer’s own voice and conversation partners sound more natural. It also adds automatic Conversation Boost, which dynamically amplifies voices in front of the user while reducing background noise. Apple notes that availability may vary by region or language.
Rank #3
- Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted background noise
- Adaptive Transparency lets outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Multiple ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
- Touch control lets you swipe to adjust volume, press to direct media playback, answer or end calls, and press and hold to switch between listening modes
Other 8A356 improvements
Apple also describes charging-reminder improvements, Automatic Switching that includes CarPlay, and media pausing after inactivity for people who use AirPods to wind down for sleep. The notes do not provide a battery threshold or reminder schedule, so avoid relying on undocumented figures.
What changed after firmware 8A356?
Apple’s later 9A348 release notes describe Custom EQ, with controls for adjusting low, mid, and high frequency response in AirPods settings. Apple lists support for AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2. The same notes mention GymKit heart-rate syncing for AirPods Pro 3; that is not a feature to attribute to AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4.
Current firmware versions
Apple’s current firmware table lists 9A348 for every model covered here. Firmware is volatile, so check Apple’s release-note table again if you are reading this later.
Rank #4
- 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.*
| Model | Current firmware listed by Apple |
|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | 9A348 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) | 9A348 |
| AirPods 4 | 9A348 |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | 9A348 |
8A356 remains useful as the version associated with the iOS 26 feature history. Apple’s later 9A348 notes add Custom EQ. Use Apple’s firmware table for the current version rather than trying to stay on or manually install a particular older release.
How to check AirPods firmware
- Make sure the iPhone or iPad has the latest available iOS or iPadOS.
- Open Settings, then tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info button beside your AirPods.
- Look under About for the firmware version.
Apple says firmware updates are delivered automatically while AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to encourage an AirPods firmware update
- Connect the iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
- Put the AirPods in their charging case and connect the case to power.
- Close the case lid and keep it within Bluetooth range of the connected Apple device.
- Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Reconnect the AirPods and check the firmware version in Bluetooth settings.
Apple does not provide a normal manual “Update Now” button for AirPods firmware. If the version does not change, check Apple’s firmware update instructions and current support guidance.
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Best Value
- 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.*
Compatibility points to check
- Do not treat AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation as interchangeable for Live Translation: Apple names the ANC model, not standard AirPods 4.
- Live Translation requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, current AirPods firmware, supported languages, and an eligible region.
- Apple’s release notes do not enumerate a list of iPhone models supporting iOS 26. Check Apple’s current iOS compatibility and feature availability pages rather than relying on an unsourced model list.
- Recording and communication features also depend on supported devices and apps; Apple identifies Camera, Voice Memos, Messages dictation, calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-enabled apps in its notes.
FAQ
What is AirPods firmware 8A356?
It is a historical AirPods firmware release associated with iOS 26-era recording, communication, camera-remote, charging-reminder, switching, and sleep-related improvements. It is not the current version Apple lists for AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4.
What is the latest AirPods Pro 2 firmware?
Apple’s current firmware table lists 9A348 for AirPods Pro 2 with either the USB-C or Lightning MagSafe Charging Case. Check Apple’s release notes for the latest listing when you read this.
Does Live Translation work with AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, Apple names AirPods Pro 2 as supported. Live Translation also requires the latest firmware, an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, a supported language, and an eligible region.
Does Live Translation work with standard AirPods 4?
No. Apple specifies AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, not standard AirPods 4, for Live Translation.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How do I check my AirPods firmware version?
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button beside your AirPods, then look under About.
The Bottom Line
Apple lists 9A348 as the current firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; 8A356 is the earlier release associated with iOS 26-era features. Both AirPods 4 variants and AirPods Pro 2 receive the broader recording and communication improvements, but Live Translation requires AirPods 4 with ANC or AirPods Pro 2 and has additional iPhone, language, and regional requirements.
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