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AirPods firmware 8A358 is a genuine release, but it is not a major new-feature update. Apple describes it only as “Bug fixes and other improvements.” The headline AirPods capabilities associated with iOS 26—including Live Translation, improved recording and calls, Camera remote, and several hearing features—belonged primarily to the preceding 8A356 release. Released on October 7, 2025, 8A358 has also been superseded by newer firmware versions listed by Apple as of August 16, 2026.
What is AirPods firmware 8A358?
AirPods firmware is software installed on the earbuds and charging case. It is separate from iOS 26: iOS supplies the operating-system features and supporting APIs, while AirPods firmware provides device-level support for compatible hardware.
Installing iOS 26 does not necessarily update your AirPods immediately. Apple distributes public AirPods firmware automatically, without a normal consumer-facing “Update now” button.
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- Compatibility: only for AirPods 5/4 (2026/2024) (USB-C); earbuds and charging case not included
- Compatible With MagSafe: strong magnets in the back of the case ensure a secure connection with MagSafe chargers, letting you enjoy tap-and-go wireless charging for your earbuds; wireless charging is only for AirPods 5/4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- Powerful Drop Protection: shock-absorbing polymer and Air Guard corners protect your charging case from drops and impacts
- Magnetic Lid: precision fit with 4 strong magnets ensures a secure, firm hold, so you never have to worry about the lid coming loose or your charging case popping open unexpectedly
- Visible Status Light: precise cutout lets you check the charging status at a glance, whether you’re charging wirelessly or with a cable
For the full version history, see Apple’s AirPods firmware update support page.
Release date and compatible models
8A358 was released on October 7, 2025, as an incremental update following the feature-focused 8A356 release. It was associated with these H2-based models:
| Model | 8A358 coverage |
|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | Supported |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Supported |
| AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case | Supported |
| AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning case | Supported |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Supported |
Contemporary reporting from MacRumors and Macworld identified the update as an H2-model release.
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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 & 11It should not be confused with firmware for AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, or the original AirPods Max. Apple maintains separate firmware histories for older products.
What does 8A358 actually change?
The defensible answer is: Apple has not publicly documented any specific user-facing change.
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- Accurately Match: Compatible with Apple AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation charging case 2023/2022/2019,With specially treated see-through thin wall,The front LED indicator is visible when you charging. note:Airpods is not included
- One-piece&dust design: The protective case is a one-piece design,So the lid won't come off accidentally and The bottom dust plug design keeps the charging port sealed and clean when not in use
- 3 in 1 Cleaning Pen: The cleaning pen with metal pen tip, soft brush and the high-density Flocking brush,Can help you remove dust and dirt from your headphones,Always keep your AirPods as new
- 360° All Round Protection: The shockproof Airpods cases are made of premium silicone material offers which is skin-friendly and harmless, It feels extremely silky in your hands and full protection from scratches, accidental drops, shocks and bumps without adding any bulk
- Supports Wireless Charging: The case is precision cut for easy access to all ports,It supports wired and wireless charging without removing the case
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Bug fixes and other improvements | Confirmed by Apple |
| Live Translation added by 8A358 | Not established; associated with 8A356-era support |
| Crackling or popping fixed | Not identified by Apple |
| Better sound quality or bass | Not identified by Apple |
| Improved battery life | Not identified by Apple |
| A named Bluetooth, microphone, or Automatic Switching fix | Not identified by Apple |
User reports may associate a firmware release with changes in connection reliability, microphone behavior, battery drain, or audio glitches. Those observations are anecdotal, however, and do not establish what 8A358 fixes. Without a named Apple change or controlled before-and-after testing, claims about cracking, popping, sound tuning, or battery life should remain unconfirmed.
Do not confuse 8A358 with the iOS 26 feature release
The major AirPods capabilities introduced or expanded alongside iOS 26 were documented under 8A356, the preceding firmware release. They should not be presented as features added specifically by 8A358.
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Live Translation
Apple lists Live Translation support for AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 2 and later when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later. Launch language support included English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with availability depending on language, region, and downloaded language resources.
Apple also says Live Translation with AirPods is unavailable to residents of the European Union when both the device and Apple Account region are in the EU. Updating to 8A358 alone does not guarantee that Live Translation will appear.
AirPods Pro 3 heart-rate sensing
Apple attributes workout heart-rate sensing to the 8A356-era update on AirPods Pro 3. In the Fitness app, the feature can track heart rate, calories, steps, and distance across up to 50 workout types. This is a Pro 3 hardware capability, not a new 8A358 feature that older AirPods gain through software.
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- Fits Perfectly: Using upgraded fitting technology, 100% fitting for Airpods Pro charging Case & Airpods Pro 2 Case. No gaps between the cover for Airpods Pro protective case and charging case, the Best choice for Apple AirPods Pro & Pro 2 (Please Note:it's NOT for AirPods Pro 3 & AirPods 1/2/3/4, AirPods Pro Charging Case not included)
- 360°Full Protective: Super strength silicone rubber with skin-friendly, odorless, lightweight, dust-proof, shockproof and waterproof. With upgrade dust guard design on the charging port protects your Airpods pro case very well.
- Easy To Access Charging Port: Reserved charging port design, no need to take out the cover for Airpods Pro wireless charging case. Front Led Visible makes you knowing your charging state very well.
- Washable and Easy to Clean: Washable material, easy to clean, dirt can be wiped off easily. Makes your Airpods pro 2nd generation case cover long-term use, lasting as new.
- Durable carabiner included: Come with the metal keychain design carabiner. You can easily attach it to clothing, bags, or keychains. This carabiner makes carrying your Airpods Pro case easier than ever.
Recording, calls, and Camera remote
For AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3, Apple documents 8A356-era improvements including:
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- Improved vocal texture and clarity in Camera, Voice Memos, and Messages dictation.
- More natural voice quality in calls, FaceTime, and compatible CallKit apps.
- Camera remote control using a press-and-hold gesture on the AirPods stem.
Hearing-related improvements
Apple also describes a more natural sound for the wearer’s own voice, more natural nearby speech, and automatic Conversation Boost for supported Hearing Aid experiences.
These features have model, software, age, medical-use, geographic, and regulatory limitations. Apple describes Hearing Aid as intended for adults aged 18 or older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Hearing Protection availability is listed for the United States and Canada. These are not universal capabilities of every AirPods model.
How to check your AirPods firmware version
- Connect the AirPods to your iPhone.
- Open Settings.
- Tap the AirPods name near the top of Settings, if it appears. Otherwise, tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ Info button beside the AirPods.
- Scroll to the firmware information.
Depending on the device and software, you may see versions for the earbuds and charging case. During an update rollout, those components can temporarily show different versions. A temporary mismatch is not automatically evidence of counterfeit hardware or a failed update.
How to install AirPods firmware updates
There is normally no manual installation command for public AirPods firmware. To give the automatic process the best chance of completing:
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- Compatible Models: This R-fun protective case is compatible with Airpods 4 (2024) and AirPods 5.
- Premium Silicone Material: Crafted from high-quality elastomer material that provides flexible and shock-resistant protection against bumps, drops, and scratches from everyday items like keys and cosmetics while maintaining a slim profile
- Precise Cutouts and Charging Access: Features precise cutouts that allow easy access to all ports and supports both wired and wireless charging without the need to remove the cover
- Convenient Carabiner Included: Comes with a carabiner for easy attachment to bags, belts, or backpacks, allowing you to keep your AirPods case secure and accessible wherever you go
- Multi-Functional Cleaning Kit: Includes a specialized cleaning tool with three components - a silicone nib for removing dirt from hidden cracks and holes, a soft flocked sponge that absorbs fine dust inside the charging case, and a high-density brush designed to clean dirt from the earphone sound holes
- Update the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest compatible operating-system version.
- Put both AirPods in their charging case.
- Connect the case to power.
- Keep the closed case within Bluetooth range of the Apple device.
- Leave it undisturbed for at least 30 minutes.
The update may arrive gradually, and Apple does not provide a normal progress indicator. Leaving the case connected and nearby overnight is a practical fallback if 30 minutes does not produce a new version.
iOS 26 is required for the iOS 26-specific AirPods features, but the firmware-update process itself can involve an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Exact software requirements vary by model and feature, so newer firmware does not make every AirPods generation compatible with every iOS 26 capability.
If 8A358 will not install
Work through these steps in order:
- Confirm that your AirPods model is in the compatible list.
- Update the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Charge both the earbuds and case.
- Place both earbuds in the case and connect the case to power.
- Keep the case close to the Apple device, close the lid, and wait at least 30 minutes.
- Reopen the case and check the firmware version again.
- Restart the iPhone or iPad and repeat the process.
- If pairing itself is failing, forget and re-pair the AirPods.
- Contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if the version remains stuck or the AirPods have persistent hardware or connection problems.
Resetting AirPods may resolve pairing problems, but Apple does not document it as a guaranteed way to force a firmware installation. Users without a nearby Apple device can arrange an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for firmware assistance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Special cases and feature requirements
Android or Windows users
AirPods can work as Bluetooth headphones with Android or Windows devices, but firmware updating and feature management are centered on Apple hardware. Users without access to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac may need an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.
Live Translation is missing
Check the complete requirement chain: compatible AirPods, current firmware, an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, iOS 26 or later, supported languages, downloaded language packs, and regional availability. Firmware 8A358 is not the sole switch controlling the feature.
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- Accurately Match: only compatible with Apple AirPods 4 (2024) and AirPods 5 (2026) (USB-C),With specially treated see-through thin wall,The front LED indicator is visible when you charging (Note:Airpods 4 and 5 is not included)
- One-piece design: The protective case is a one-piece design,So the lid won't come off accidentally and The bottom dust plug design keeps the charging port sealed and clean when not in use
- 3 in 1 Cleaning Pen: The cleaning pen with metal pen tip, soft brush and the high-density Flocking brush,Can help you remove dust and dirt from your headphones,Always keep your AirPods as new
- 360° All Round Protection: The shockproof Airpods cases are made of premium silicone material offers which is skin-friendly and harmless, It feels extremely silky in your hands and full protection from scratches, accidental drops, shocks and bumps without adding any bulk
- Supports Wireless Charging: The case is precision cut for easy access to all ports,It supports wired and wireless charging without removing the case
Beta firmware
Do not use AirPods beta firmware reports as evidence about public build 8A358. Apple warns that AirPods beta software cannot be removed until a later non-beta release becomes available. Details are available in Apple’s beta software guidance.
Is 8A358 still the latest firmware?
No. As of August 16, 2026, Apple’s firmware support page lists newer 8B- and 8E-series builds. That makes 8A358 a historical iOS 26-era release, not the current AirPods firmware.
If your compatible AirPods are already running a later version, there is no reason to try to move them backward to 8A358. If 8A358 is offered to your compatible pair, accepting it is sensible, but there is no need to buy new AirPods solely to obtain this maintenance release.
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Should you upgrade your AirPods for 8A358?
No. 8A358 alone is not a compelling hardware-upgrade reason. Existing AirPods Pro 2 owners, for example, should not replace their earbuds merely for this firmware number.
When choosing AirPods, base the decision on hardware and feature requirements instead:
- AirPods Pro 3: newest Pro hardware and the broadest feature ceiling, including the Pro 3 health capabilities.
- AirPods Pro 2: access to many iOS 26-era features without moving to the newest Pro model.
- AirPods 4 with ANC: an open-fit design with ANC and eligibility for selected iOS 26 features.
- AirPods 4: the H2 platform without ANC.
The key distinction is that firmware can add support to compatible hardware; it cannot turn standard AirPods 4 into the ANC version or give AirPods Pro 2 every AirPods Pro 3 hardware capability.
Bottom line
AirPods firmware 8A358 is real, compatible with selected H2 models, and was released on October 7, 2025. Apple’s only public note is “Bug fixes and other improvements.” The major iOS 26 AirPods features came with the preceding 8A356-era release, and 8A358 is no longer current as of August 16, 2026. Let compatible AirPods update automatically, but do not expect a documented new feature, guaranteed crackling fix, sound-quality change, or battery improvement from this build.
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