Apple released AirPods Pro 2 firmware 7A302 and AirPods 4 firmware 7A304 on September 18, 2024. Apple’s notes for both builds say only “Bug fixes and other improvements”; they do not identify specific fixes or new features. These are historical versions, not the latest firmware targets today.
Which AirPods models received the update?
Apple’s release covered both AirPods Pro 2 charging-case versions and both AirPods 4 versions. The Pro 2 update moved from 7A294 to 7A302; 7A304 was a new-generation firmware release for AirPods 4.
| AirPods model | Firmware released September 18, 2024 | Previous version or context |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C MagSafe Charging Case | 7A302 | 7A294 |
| AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning MagSafe Charging Case | 7A302 | 7A294 |
| AirPods 4 | 7A304 | New-generation firmware |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | 7A304 | New-generation firmware |
Apple’s AirPods firmware release notes list the versions and apply the same brief description to each.
What did Apple change?
Apple described both 7A302 and 7A304 as “Bug fixes and other improvements.” It did not publish a list of individual bugs, performance changes, or affected features. Claims that either build specifically improved Bluetooth reliability, sound, microphones, battery life, charging, or noise cancellation are not established by Apple’s notes.
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- 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.*
These were maintenance releases, not documented feature launches. The preceding AirPods Pro 2 firmware, 7A294, was associated with iOS 18-era features such as head gestures and Voice Isolation. Those features should not be attributed to 7A302. Contemporary coverage also speculated about possible future hearing-related capabilities, but Apple did not identify them as changes in 7A302.
How AirPods firmware updates install
Apple does not provide a manual “Check for update” command or firmware installer for AirPods. Updates are delivered automatically. To give an available update an opportunity to install:
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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.*
- Pair the AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Put the AirPods in their charging case and connect the case to power.
- Keep the case within Bluetooth range of the Apple device.
- Allow time, then check the firmware version again.
There is no guaranteed installation time, and a delay by itself does not mean the AirPods are faulty. iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS are host-device operating systems; AirPods firmware is separate embedded software. Some AirPods features require compatible host software, but that does not establish that iOS 18 was a strict requirement for installing these firmware builds.
How to check the installed firmware version
With the AirPods paired or connected, use either route on an iPhone or iPad:
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- 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.*
- Open Settings, tap the connected AirPods near the top of the screen, scroll to About, and check Version.
- Or open Settings → General → About, then tap the AirPods name if it appears.
The version shown is the firmware currently installed on the earbuds, not the iPhone’s iOS version. Apple’s support page retains these historical release notes alongside newer firmware generations.
If the update does not appear
Check the model and version first, then make sure the case and earbuds are charged, the AirPods are paired with the intended Apple device, and the case is near that device while connected to power. Wait and check again later rather than repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting; Apple does not promise a specific update window.
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- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
If the firmware remains unchanged and there are also connection problems, restart or reconnect the paired device. Forgetting and re-pairing the AirPods may help with broader pairing trouble; reset them only if persistent pairing, audio, or noise-control issues warrant it. A reset is not a confirmed way to force firmware installation. For charging failures, persistent pairing problems, or missing device information, contact Apple Support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What owners should take away
For an owner checking a 2024 update record, the model-specific targets were 7A302 for either AirPods Pro 2 case version and 7A304 for either AirPods 4 version. Apple disclosed no more than bug fixes and other improvements, so a visible feature change should not be expected. Since later firmware has superseded these builds, use Apple’s current version list—not 7A302 or 7A304—as the reference for an up-to-date device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
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