Apple has begun distributing a New firmware update specifically for AirPods Max 2 Just before the headphones begin to reach users en masse. Although the AirPods update process isn't as visible as that of an iPhone or Mac, it has a direct impact on stability, compatibility, and some of the more advanced sound features.
The company maintains the same silent installation system as in the rest of the range, so The firmware is downloaded and installed in the background. when certain conditions are met. Even so, it's important to be clear about which version should appear in our headphones, what differentiates the AirPods Max 2 from the other models with the H2 chip, and how check if the update It has been correctly applied on an iPhone or iPad, something especially relevant for users in Spain and Europe who buy them at launch.
Firmware 8E251: This is the new version for AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 arrive on the market with the firmware 8E251 as the latest available revisionThis version has been released even before the model is fully available in physical stores, so many users will already have a pending update as soon as they take it out of the box, which will be installed automatically after the initial setup.
Unlike the rest of Apple's headphones with the H2 chip, the AirPods Max 2 feature a specific firmware other than 8B39which is the version applied to other recent models such as the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 4. Although they share a hardware platform, Apple has opted for its own development for the Max 2, which makes sense considering its format, power management, and noise cancellation system adapted to over-ear headphones.
Apple has not yet published any Detailed release notes for firmware 8E251Therefore, not all the changes are known in detail. Typically, these types of updates include bug fixes, minor performance tweaks, and improved compatibility with the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and other operating systems. In this case, the update coincides with the release of iOS 26.4, suggesting it's a fine-tuning process for the new audio and connectivity features.
In addition, the new firmware should help refine the behavior of some of the advanced functions associated with the H2 chipFeatures like adaptive audio mode, active noise cancellation, voice isolation on calls, and real-time translation are increasingly being integrated into Apple's ecosystem. While no specific, visible new features have been announced, a more stable experience is expected from day one.
AirPods Max 2 and H2 chip: differences compared to other models
The AirPods Max 2 maintain Apple's high-end over-ear headphone offering, but They make the definitive leap to the H2 chipleaving behind the previous first-generation H1. This platform change not only affects audio processing, but also how the firmware manages all the headphones' smart features.
H2 is responsible for functions such as improved noise reduction, the most natural transparency mode, the adaptive audio It adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment and voice isolation during calls or video calls, which is especially useful in noisy environments. The 8E251 update is expected to refine some of these aspects to make the experience more consistent across different usage scenarios.
It's worth noting that, although the AirPods Max 2 share a chip with the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, these other models continue to use the firmware 8B39 as the current versionThat version, according to Apple, includes bug fixes and other general improvements. In contrast, the Max 2 moves to a different branch with 8E251, which aligns with the need to adjust specific parameters such as the internal equalization of circumaural headphones, the ear pad management, and the behavior of the microphones distributed across the headband and earcups.
In Europe and in Spain, where the AirPods Max 2 are sold with the same technical specifications as in other markets, the update is being rolled out as follows: same form and at the same timeThere are no regional changes regarding the firmware, so any unit activated here will be able to receive 8E251 following Apple's usual procedure.
How to find out what firmware your AirPods Max 2 have
The first step to having everything under control is Check which firmware version your AirPods Max 2 haveAs with the rest of the AirPods, there is no separate update menu, so the only way to check is through the settings of the iPhone or iPad to which you have them paired.
On iOS, the classic method involves first connecting the headphones to the iPhone and, once paired, opening the Settings app. Then, you'll need to go to Overview > Information Then look for the section corresponding to the AirPods Max 2, which will appear with the name you assigned them. That screen displays information such as the serial number, model, and, most importantly in this context, the installed firmware version.
Since iOS 16 and later, Apple has greatly simplified this process. Simply open Settings with your AirPods Max 2 connected and go to the specific section on headphonesThis usually appears just below the user's name. All device information, including the firmware, is centralized there, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple menus. It's a more direct way to check if version 8E251 has already been applied.
If you still don't see it after checking the headphone specifications the numbering 8E251 as the installed versionThis means the firmware hasn't been updated yet. In that case, you'll simply need to force the appropriate context for the system to start the download and installation in the background, which we'll cover in the next section.
For general reference, Apple maintains an internal list of the Latest firmware versions for the AirPods familyThis also includes the AirPods Max 2 with its firmware 8E251. Although some specialized media outlets try to keep this information up to date, it is best to consult the company's official documentation when in doubt or after a major operating system update.
Latest firmware versions for the most recent AirPods
The arrival of AirPods Max 2 with firmware 8E251 adds to the rest of updates that Apple has been rolling out for its range of wireless headphonesFor your information, here are some of the most up-to-date revisions for the latest models:
- AirPods Pro 3: 8B39
- AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 8B39
- AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 8B39
- AirPods Pro 1: 6F21
- AirPods 4: 8B39
- AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation: 8B39
- AirPods 3: 6F21
- AirPods 2: 6F21
- AirPods 1: 6.8.8
- AirPods Max (USB-C): 7E108
- AirPods Max (Lightning): 6F25
- AirPods Max 2: 8E251
This list allows you to get a quick idea of ​​whether some Are AirPods up to date or do they need an update?If the version you see on your headphones doesn't match the one registered as the latest available, they will eventually receive the new firmware, provided you use them with compatible devices and a minimally updated operating system.
In the case of AirPods Max 2, the presence of version number 8E251 indicates that the latest firmware has been successfully installed. If you recently purchased them in Spain or another European country, they may have come with an older version, and the update will arrive shortly after you first pair them with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Even so, it's worth remembering that, although these versions usually focus on internal corrections and adjustmentsThey sometimes also serve to activate or refine functions associated with new systems, so it's worth checking from time to time whether the firmware has been updated, especially after major software releases like iOS 26.4.
How to update AirPods Max 2: the hidden method
Unlike what happens with an iPhone or a Mac, with AirPods There is no "Update now" button There's no menu where you can force the firmware download. The process is almost entirely automatic and depends on certain conditions being met, which the system checks in the background.
Essentially, to install firmware 8E251 (or any future revision) on the AirPods Max 2, you just need to follow a very simple pattern: store the headphones in their caseConnect them to a power source to charge and keep your iPhone or the paired device nearby, with an active internet connection. This is the same procedure Apple recommends for the rest of the AirPods family.
While these conditions are met, the system downloads the available firmware from Apple's servers and, at a certain point, applies the update without any user intervention. No progress bar or highlighted message appears, so the only way to know if the process has ended It's about retrieving the AirPods after a while and checking the version in Settings.
If, after a couple of attempts, the firmware version of your AirPods Max 2 still doesn't reflect 8E251, it's worth making sure that the iPhone or iPad you're using them with is also the correct firmware version. It is updated to a recent version of iOS or iPadOS and that the headphones have been plugged in for a sufficient amount of time. Sometimes, it can help to leave them charging longer than usual, especially after the first few hours of use, or to go to an Apple Store so they can be serviced. force update.
For those who want more information, Apple has a Specific support document on how to update the AirPods firmwareThis guide details the general steps and reminds you of the conditions that must be met for the process to work correctly, although, in practice, the average user will hardly have to do anything other than use the headphones normally and charge them when needed.
With this launch, the AirPods Max 2 begin their commercial life with a firmware version adapted to your hardware and the latest versions of the Apple ecosystemFor those who are getting them these days in Spain or any other European country, simply check the version number in the iPhone settings from time to time to confirm that 8E251 is already installed and thus take advantage of the stability, compatibility and sound improvements that these types of silent updates usually bring.
