Apple on Tuesday released a new 3C39 firmware for the AirPods Max, and there was speculation that the new software was intended to address the battery life problem that users had been experiencing. Some AirPods Max headphones saw too much battery drain while in the Smart case, and now there is evidence that the update actually solves the problem.
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Developer Guilherme Rambo tested the battery drain of the AirPods Max before and after the firmware update to see how much battery life was lost while the AirPods Max bha were in the Smart case. Battery drain was measured in half-hourly intervals, and as the charts show, the AirPods Max lost more battery life in the Smart case prior to the firmware update.
In addition to the Rambo test, there are also documentary reports on the MacRumors forums recommending the AirPods Max do not lose much battery life in the case overnight. From MacRumors F23 reader:
Updated yesterday. 24 hours later, they lost one percent. Still at 97% after 24 hours in the case. On a previous software version I would regularly lose 10% + overnight.
Others MacRumors readers have noticed improvements to automatic switching when using the AirPods Max, and a solution for a bug that can sometimes cause them to disconnect between devices. From MacRumors TechKris reader:
I can account for a 6% battery drop with the new FW after around 8h overnight charged. Automatic switching between M1 MacBook Air and iPhone seems to be much better now. It was not impossible before and just in a manual on the Mac.
according to 9to5Mac, the firmware update seems to put the AirPods Max in ultralow power mode after 30 minutes. Prior to the firmware update, AirPods Max would go into low power mode when installed, and ultralow power mode after 18 hours. If this is the case, however, Apple has yet to update its supporting document to reflect the cost changes.
There is no clear cutout method for updating firmware for the AirPods Max as there is for devices like the iPhone ach, but connecting the AirPods Max to a power source and then listening to music for a few seconds to connect them to iPhone or iPad usually affects renewal.
You can check the firmware on your AirPods Max by following these steps:
- Connect the AirPods Max to your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Tap About.
- Tap on AirPods.
- Check the number next to “Firmware Version.”
Have you noticed better battery life from an update to 3C39 firmware? Let us know in the comments.