AirPods Pro Firmware Version 2D15: Update Yours Now


AirPods Pro firmware update how to

Updating the firmware on my Aipods Pro, which are my current favorite wireless earbuds and have been for some time, I am absolutely floored at how much has transformed to bring these up to a much higher standard: both in terms of audio and function.

So how does the 2D15 firmware update impact the AirPods Pro? The Active Noise Cancellation has vastly improved on the AirPods Pro, as it can effectively block out, not just lower hums of noise (like previous firmware versions), but now also higher pitched sounds. Audio has improved, providing a more spatial and stable wireless connection.

As soon as I found out that my AirPods Pro were updated to the latest version, I had to rush to my laptop to type this article so you would be informed of this vast improvement right away. Keep reading as I share more of my thoughts on this update, as well as how you can update the firmware on your AirPods Pro.

Previous Firmware Versions of the AirPods Pro

It wouldn’t be fair to jump right in to how the newest firmware update has improved the AirPods Pro without having a comparison to the two previous versions that came before this one:

  • Firmware Update 2B588.

Apple developers released this update sometime in November of 2019 after several consumer complaints from product launch that the AirPods Pro’s newest feature, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), was not strong enough to block out many outside noises.

This was an update to the very first version of AirPods Pro firmware that came right out of the box from launch, which was 2B584.

I, along with millions of consumers, owned the AirPods Pro during this period. And much to our dismay, the firmware update to 2B588 did not do enough to help what the full potential of the Pro’s ANC could handle.

This led the developers to create yet another firmware update just weeks after the widespread reaction from the first iteration…

  • Firmware Update: 2C54

Ah, 2C54, the silent version that got away. Pushed by Apple developers only weeks following the lackluster 2B588 firmware update, this version was originally intended to combat all the weaknesses that the previous one showed, with a glaring look at the lack of Active Noise Cancellation.

Let’s just say they went split on this firmware update. Why? Because they actually improved the sound profile of the wireless earbuds (which no one thought would’ve happened), but still did not fix any noise cancellation complaints. With some users going as far as to mention that the update to 2C54 made the AirPods Pro’s ANC even worse than update 2B588. Wow.

Thankfully, Apple does seem to listen to feedback constantly, and they pulled the 2C54 firmware update from the AirPods Pro, discontinuing the more recent version altogether as of January 2020. This rolled back many Pros back to the initial update, 2B588.

During this period of version updates and switches I constantly checked to see if my AirPods ever updated to 2C54, and they never did. This was common for many users, as Apple recalled the update so fast.

What’s Changed in the 2D15 Firmware Update

Apple AirPods Pro Recommended Top Earbuds

What seemed like forever, fast forwarding to May 2020 and several months after the rolled back 2B588 update, the newest 2D15 firmware version for the AirPods Pro has finally arrived.

So what’s changed? And why was I so excited to rush here to publish this article ASAP?

Because Apple finally improved the Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods Pro. Vastly!

Whereas in previous versions the AirPods Pro, which could only muffle lower hums of noise (think heating/air conditioning units and airplane engines), 2D15 has pushed the Pros even further to effectively block these sounds, and those that range into the mid to higher frequencies. Nice!

Especially during this time where we may be spending more time in our homes with friends and family, this new firmware update allows the AirPods Pro to drown out outside vocals, television noises, and the rest of daily house life. Now we can focus on our work (or gaming) with even less distraction.

But wait, that’s not all they changed!

The sound profile has also improved, much like what came with the silent swift 2C54 update, but even better. As I’m currently listening to music on mine, I can only describe the fresh sound profile as more full, much like my over-ear favorites, with punchier mids and an increase in spatial audio (creating more of a vivid surround sound and a less bland stereo tone), which is a very welcome addition indeed.

At least with mine, the stability of the bluetooth connection between the AirPods Pro, my MacBook Pro, and iPhone have also been reinforced. Now it wasn’t necessarily bad before. But where there used to be an occasional *burble* sound or skip has so far been eliminated with the 2D15 firmware update and after several straight hours of listening.

How to Update AirPods Pro to the Latest 2D15 Firmware

AirPods wireless case and usb-c charge port

Unlike a traditional iPhone iOS update, Apple does not notify you that a firmware update for the AirPods Pro is available. Instead you have to hunt to find if they were updated automatically. Here’s how:

  1. With the AirPods Pro powered on and paired to your iPhone, Tap Setting > General > About.
  2. You should now see a list that shows items including your iPhone’s current software version, model number, and serial number.
  3. From this list, Scroll Down until you see the name of your AirPods Pro.
  4. Tap on your AirPods Pro name, and you should now see the current firmware version, which should read 2D15 (the latest version)

If after following the above steps you find that your AirPods Pro still haven’t been updated to 2D15 yet, here are some tips to make sure that yours will update to the latest version:

  • Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
  • If you normally leave your AirPods Pro outside the case, make sure they are both in their charge slots and the clam shell of the case is closed.
  • Leave both your AirPods Pro and iPhone on a charger (either plugged in or wireless) and nearby each other overnight
  • After waiting overnight, run through above steps 1-4 to check if the firmware has updated successfully.

Running through these steps and re-checking the current firmware version, it should only be a matter of overnight before your AirPods Pro are up-to-date as well. If after all this it still isn’t, wait a few more nights after running through these steps, or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

John Hammer

Hi i'm John Hammer, Founder and Author of Gizbuyer Guide. Ever since the original Xbox, PlayStation, and iPhone I've purchased and worked on all kinds of consumer tech products, gaming gadgets and operating system softwares. To this day my curiosity has never left, and my aim is to guide and share my knowledge on technology as I continue to experience the latest of the consumer electronics industry.

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