Apple makes it easy to find your missing AirPods

Back at WWDC, Apple said that extended FindMy integration is coming for AirPods in iOS 15. Now Apple is keeping that promise with a firmware update that gives you more options if you lose track of your AirPods Pro Where AirPods Max.

The FindMy network works by leveraging Bluetooth on millions of Apple devices. So if an Apple gadget detects a missing device nearby, it reports that location in the FindMy app. Firmware update allows AirPods Pro and Max to be part of this network now. However, since they don’t have the U1 chip, it won’t be as accurate as what you get with AirTags.

Previously, there wasn’t much you could do in FindMy other than see the last known location of your AirPods or play a sound. Useful, but as anyone who’s lost an AirPod can tell you, it’s not ideal. First spotted by 9to5 Mac, the new firmware allows for similar functionality to the precision search that Apple introduced with AirTags, but not quite. For starters, there is no arrow that points you to an exact location. Instead, it’s kind of like a digital Marco Polo where you can visually see whether you’re near or far from the AirPods. (You can check out screenshots of what it looks like here.)

The update also allows owners to mark their AirPods Pro and Max as missing through Lost Mode. This allows users to leave a contact number and a message, in case someone else picks up the device. Another useful update: You can now receive notifications if you leave your AirPods behind.

Of course, to get these features, you need to update your AirPods firmware. The bad news is that updating AirPods can be a pain because there is no easy way to do it. It sort of happens automatically when they are connected to your phone and charging. However, you can check if you have the most recent firmware. If you go to Settings, scroll down to Bluetooth devices, and then tap the blue information icon next to AirPods. Scroll down to the About section and check the version number. If you have the new firmware you should see 4A400.

Unfortunately, these new features don’t work with regular AirPods. Maybe that will change with the rumor AirPod 3-when they arrive.