macOS Tahoe 26 beta 2 adds native support for enrolling AirPods in beta firmware updates. Here’s how it works and what’s coming in the new AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 firmware.
macOS Tahoe Beta Lets You Enable AirPods Firmware Betas Right from Your Mac
Goodbye iPhone-only beta testing as Apple just gave macOS some AirPods firmware love. With the second macOS Tahoe 26 beta, you can now enroll your AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 into beta firmware updates directly from your Mac.
Related: How to Try New iOS 26 AirPods Features Easily, No Mac or Xcode Needed
How to Enroll Your AirPods in Beta Updates (macOS Style)
If you’re already experimenting with the latest macOS Tahoe 26 beta, this is a super simple process. Here’s the quick step-by-step:
- Connect your AirPods to your Mac (yes, actually wear them or pop open the lid).
- Open System Settings and navigate to Bluetooth.
- Click the little (i) next to your AirPods’ name.
- Scroll down and find the new AirPods Beta Updates section.
- Flip the toggle to opt in. That’s it!
Once enrolled, your AirPods will receive beta firmware updates automagically as long as they’re in the case and near your Mac.
What’s in the New Firmware?
While the beta program was previously a developer-only party, Apple is opening the doors wider this July, offering public betas for AirPods firmware for the first time ever. That includes support for:
- Improved audio quality for phone and video calls.
- Studio-grade audio recording, ideal for interviews, podcasts, or your next viral TikTok.
- Use AirPods as a camera remote in the Camera app.
- Automatic audio pausing when Apple detects you’ve dozed off mid-episode.
Clearly, these updates aren’t just bug fixes, they’re serious audio upgrades aimed at creators, multitaskers, and people who fall asleep during YouTube videos.
Who Can Try It?
Right now, the beta firmware is limited to the AirPods Pro 2 and upcoming AirPods 4. If you’re using older models, sorry, no magical bedtime pause for you (yet). The public beta will roll out in July, with a full release expected later alongside the iOS 26 launch.
Final Thoughts: AirPods Are Growing Up
This marks a new era in Apple’s approach to AirPods firmware. Giving users the ability to manage updates on both iPhone/iPad and Mac brings unified device management full circle. And with features like sleep detection and studio-quality recording, Apple’s AirPods are clearly evolving beyond “just earbuds” into miniature wearable computers—that you still occasionally lose in couch cushions.
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