Apple on Tuesday reported that the company had released new firmware versions for its AirPods Pro and AirPods Max products. The new software also enables Find My support for the devices, which Apple first teased back in June at WWDC.
The new features for compatible AirPods models within the Find My now include precise location, a new Nearby Finding UI, Lost Mode, and the ability to get notifications when your earbuds are left behind.
In order to take advantage of these new features, you’ll first need to update your AirPods to the just-released firmware. Getting AirPods to update immediately is a somewhat mercurial process that involves placing your charged AirPods in their case near a connected phone, and then hoping that the software update is transferred. Most AirPods customers simply receive new firmware updates passively over time, in the course of use.
The features also allow the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to participate in the Find My network, sending out a continuous Bluetooth beacon message. When other Apple devices are in the area, they can detect this signal and report it to the Find My network, placing its location on the owner’s map. This is similar to how AirTags work at long range.
The the user is in close range of the AirPods, they’ll be able to get a visual indicator of their proximate location. While the directional arrows feature of AirTags is not present here, as the AirPods currently lack a built-in U1 chip, the AirPods version offers a relatively precise ultra-wide band precision location capability.
With the Lost Most, iPhone customers who’ve lost their AirPods will be able to leave a message and contact phone number. If the AirPods are then picked up by someone else and paired with an iOS device, the Lost Mode message will be shown to help return the lost item back to its original owner.
To check the firmware version on your AirPods, use the following instructions:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Navigate to the “Bluetooth” menu
- Find your AirPods in the list of devices
- Tap the “i” next to them
- Look at the “Firmware Version” number
If you’ve had a chance to try the new firmware and its assorted Find My features, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via MacRumors