Tackle firmware rollback problems on Apple AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro are celebrated for their active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Yet, the firmware that powers these features is updated automatically, and sometimes an update introduces bugs, degrades battery life, or changes functionality in ways that users find undesirable. Because Apple does not provide an official way to revert to a previous firmware version, many owners confront a “firmware rollback” problem that feels impossible to solve. This guide walks you through the technical background, the reasons why rollbacks are hard, and a set of practical strategies you can use to protect your AirPods Pro from unwanted updates or, in rare cases, to coax an older firmware version back onto the device.

Understanding AirPods Pro Firmware

Apple’s firmware is a low‑level software layer that controls everything from the Bluetooth radio to the drivers for the venting system that creates the active noise cancellation effect. Each firmware release is identified by a four‑segment version number (for example, 4A400). The number increments with every official update that Apple pushes over the air.

When a new version is available, the AirPods Pro will download it the next time they are placed in the charging case, connected to an iPhone or iPad that is connected to the internet, and the case is open. The process is silent, automatic, and, in most cases, beneficial. However, the lack of user control over this mechanism is the root of the rollback dilemma.

What a Firmware Update Does

• Bug fixes: Resolves known issues and improves stability.
• Performance tweaks: Adjusts microphone sensitivity, latency, and battery management.
• Feature additions: May introduce new modes or support for additional Apple services.
• Security patches: Closes vulnerabilities that could be exploited over Bluetooth.

Because the firmware resides in a protected portion of the AirPods’ memory, Apple does not expose a user‑visible “download older version” button. The only official pathway to a different firmware is to install a brand‑new set of AirPods that ship with the desired version.

Why Rollbacks Are Tricky

Apple’s design philosophy emphasizes a seamless user experience, which includes removing friction from software updates. This approach yields several technical safeguards that unintentionally block rollback:

1. Signed firmware only: Each firmware file is cryptographically signed. The AirPods will reject any unsigned or tampered file.
2. One‑way update flow: Once a newer firmware is installed, the bootloader does not keep a copy of the previous version, so there is nothing to revert to.
3. Automatic delivery priority: When a device contacts Apple’s servers, the newest signed firmware is always offered, making it difficult to request an older build.

These constraints mean that any rollback method must either trick the AirPods into believing the newer version is not available, or replace the firmware with a copy that Apple has already signed—something that is rarely possible for end users.

Preventing Unwanted Firmware Updates

The most reliable way to avoid rollback headaches is to stop an unwanted update from happening in the first place. Below are three preventive tactics that work for most users.

Keep AirPods Out of the Charging Case When Connected

An update only begins when the AirPods are inside the case and the case is opened while paired to an internet‑connected device. By leaving the AirPods in the ears and keeping the case closed when you are not charging them, you dramatically reduce the chance of an automatic download.

Use a “No‑Network” iPhone for Pairing

If you have a secondary iPhone or iPad that is not connected to Wi‑Fi or cellular data, you can pair your AirPods to this device for everyday use. Because the device cannot reach Apple’s update servers, the AirPods will not be notified of newer firmware. When you need to access features that require internet (e.g., Spatial Audio settings), you can briefly connect to a primary device with network access, then switch back.

Turn Off Automatic Updates on macOS

When you use a Mac to manage your AirPods, you can disable the automatic update prompt that appears in the Bluetooth preferences pane. Open System Settings → Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and deselect any “Check for updates automatically” option if present. This prevents macOS from acting as a conduit for the update.

Checking Your Current Firmware Version

Before you consider any rollback attempt, you need to know exactly which firmware your AirPods Pro are running.

1. Open the Settings app on a paired iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Locate your AirPods Pro in the device list and tap the info (i) button next to them.
4. Scroll down to the Version field. The four‑segment number displayed is your current firmware.

You can repeat this check after each charging cycle to verify whether an update has occurred.

Unofficial Strategies for Firmware Rollback

Because Apple does not provide a rollback mechanism, the community has explored several unofficial approaches. Each carries risk, and none is guaranteed to work on every firmware revision. Proceed only if you are comfortable with the possibility of rendering your AirPods unusable.

1. Re‑pairing with an Older iOS Device

Some users have reported success by pairing the AirPods Pro with an older iPhone or iPad that has not yet downloaded the newer firmware. The steps are:

• Reset the AirPods: Press and hold the setup button on the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber then white.
• Place the older device near the case: Open the lid and trigger the pairing prompt.
• Avoid connecting to the internet: Keep the device in Airplane mode or without Wi‑Fi during pairing and the first few charging cycles.

If the older device never contacts Apple’s servers, the AirPods may retain the firmware they had before the reset. However, if the AirPods already contain the newer version before the reset, this method will not downgrade them.

2. Using a Mac to “Freeze” Firmware

Apple’s macOS includes a hidden firmware cache that can, in theory, be used to block updates:

• Connect your AirPods Pro to a Mac via Bluetooth.
• Open Finder (or iTunes on older macOS versions) and locate the AirPods in the device list.
• Disable automatic syncing and network access for the Mac.
• Keep the AirPods in the case and charge them while the Mac remains offline.

Because the AirPods will still check Apple’s servers periodically, this trick only works if the Mac remains the sole device they communicate with for an extended period.

3. Third‑Party Firmware Tools

A handful of niche utilities claim to allow firmware flashing on AirPods. These tools require:

• A jail‑broken iOS device or a macOS environment with elevated privileges.
• Extraction of a signed firmware file from Apple’s servers (often done by downloading an iOS backup that contains the AirPods firmware segment).
• Execution of a custom script that writes the firmware to the AirPods over a low‑level Bluetooth protocol.

Warning: Using such tools violates Apple’s terms of service, may void any warranty, and can permanently brick the AirPods. Only attempt this if you have advanced technical expertise and are prepared to accept total loss.

Re‑pairing to Keep an Older Firmware After a Reset

If you have successfully prevented a newer update, you might still want to ensure the AirPods stay on the older version after a reset. Follow this procedure:

1. Reset the AirPods using the long‑press method described earlier.
2. Immediately pair with the “offline” device (the older iPhone, iPad, or Mac that has no internet access). Do not let the AirPods connect to any other device before this step.
3. Charge the AirPods in the case for at least one full cycle while still connected only to the offline device.
4. Perform a “firmware check” on the offline device by opening Bluetooth settings and confirming that the version number has not changed.

By limiting the AirPods’ exposure to Apple’s update servers, you effectively “freeze” the firmware at that point. The caveat is that any future feature that requires a newer OS version may not be fully compatible with the older AirPods firmware.

Limitations and Risks

Even with the best preventive measures, you cannot guarantee that Apple will never push a critical security update that forces a mandatory firmware change. Moreover, the following risks are associated with rollback attempts:

• Bricking: The AirPods may become non‑functional if the firmware flash fails.
• Loss of warranty: Apple may refuse service on devices that have been tampered with.
• Reduced feature set: Some iOS or macOS features may stop working if the firmware is out of sync with the operating system.
• Battery health impact: Certain firmware versions are optimized for newer battery chemistry; using an older build may accelerate wear.

Given these considerations, weigh the benefits of staying on an older firmware against the potential loss of support and features.

Restoring After an Unsuccessful Rollback

If a rollback attempt results in an unresponsive AirPods case or erratic behavior, try the following recovery steps:

1. Force reset again: Hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. This often clears transient errors.
2. Re‑pair with a fresh device: Forget the AirPods on all previously paired devices, then pair with a new iPhone that has internet access. This forces the AirPods to check for the latest signed firmware and will automatically download it if they are still compatible.
3. Contact Apple Support: If the AirPods continue to misbehave, schedule a Genius Bar appointment. Explain the steps you have taken; Apple can reinstall the latest firmware using proprietary tools.

In most cases, connecting to an online device prompts the AirPods to fetch the newest firmware, effectively resetting them to a known good state.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Rollback Issues

• Maintain a secondary offline device: Keep an older iPhone or iPad dedicated to AirPods pairing when you need to preserve a specific firmware.
• Schedule firmware checks: Periodically verify the version number after each charging cycle, especially after major iOS updates.
• Backup regularly: Though AirPods themselves cannot be backed up, keeping a recent iPhone backup can be useful if you need to restore settings that affect AirPods behavior.
• Stay informed: Follow reputable Apple news sources for details on upcoming AirPods firmware releases. If a release is known to cause problems, you can delay pairing until you have a mitigation plan.
• Consider a second pair: If you rely heavily on a specific firmware for professional use (e.g., audio production), purchasing a backup pair of AirPods Pro can serve as a fallback if the primary set becomes unsatisfactory after an update.

Conclusion

Firmware rollback on Apple AirPods Pro is not a straightforward process because Apple’s ecosystem is built around automatic, signed updates that leave no room for user‑initiated downgrades. However, by understanding how the update mechanism works, employing preventive tactics, and, when necessary, using carefully controlled unofficial methods, you can minimize the impact of unwanted firmware changes. Always prioritize device safety, keep a backup plan, and stay up to date on Apple’s release notes. When the need arises, the strategies outlined here give you a realistic chance of maintaining the AirPods Pro firmware version that best suits your personal or professional requirements.