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Earlier today, we reported that new firmware versions are being phased out for Apple’s wireless headphone products. This new software allows Find My to support AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, which Apple first announced in June at WWDC.
This means that compatible AirPods models gain new features in the Find My app, including precise location, a new Find Nearby UI, Lost Mode, and the ability to receive notifications when your headphones are left behind.
In order to take advantage of these new features, you must first update your AirPods to the newly released firmware. Updating AirPods immediately is a somewhat mercurial process of placing your charged AirPods in their case near a connected phone and then hoping the software update has transferred. Most AirPods customers simply receive new firmware updates passively over time, during use.
Thanks to reader Ste Moseley who sent these screenshots first. Apple also updated its Find My support article acknowledging the rollout of the new features.
The new integration now means AirPods Pro and AirPods Max participate in the Find My network and send 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 exactly like how the Long Range AirTags work.
When near AirPods, users can now get a visual indicator of their nearby location. Unfortunately, the AirTags’ directional arrows function is not present here, as current AirPods do not include a U1 chip inside. The AirTags Nearby Finding interface uses a green theme, but the AirPods version is blue – probably to indicate that it isn’t accurate as the AirTag’s ultra-wideband precision locating capability.
With Lost Mode, iPhone customers who misplace their AirPods will now be able to leave a message and contact phone number. If the AirPods are later picked up by someone else and paired with an iOS device, the Lost Mode message will be displayed to help return the lost item to its original owner.
The new features are only compatible with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Standard AirPods do not support these features; it is believed that the next third generation AirPods will be, however. Rumor has it that the 3rd generation AirPods will ship before the end of the year.
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