How to install the AirPods Pro beta and try the slick new Adaptive Audio feature

Apple announced its exciting new Adaptive Audio feature for AirPods Pro 2 at WWDC that blends its Adaptive Transparency with Active Noise Cancellation. However, testing out the feature is a bit trickier than just installing the iOS 17 beta. Here’s how to install the AirPods beta to give the new feature a try.

As a refresher, here’s how Apple describes the new feature for AirPods Pro 2 (all other AirPods are not getting this feature, not even AirPods Max):

Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to tailor the noise control experience as you move between changing environments and interactions throughout the day.

My colleague Max has been using it and he’s been really impressed. As it happens, you don’t get the AirPods Pro beta when you install the iOS 17 beta on your iPhone. There are a few more steps to the process.

But fortunately, Apple has made all the tools needed available to anyone with an Apple ID with free Apple Developer account access.

How to install AirPods beta

Remember the major new feature in this beta, Adaptive Audio, is only available with AirPods Pro 2 and with this being a developer beta, install it at your own risk.

You’ll also need the iOS 17 beta on your iPhone (full guide here).

First, check to see if you can turn on Developer Mode by heading to your iPhone’s iOS 17 Settings> Privacy & Security> Developer Mode (look at the bottom) – if it’s not there, continue with step 2, if it is there, turn it on and skip to step 12
Head to Apple’s Developer website on your Mac (Ventura 13.3 or later) and log in with your Apple ID for free
Under Program Resources, look on the right side and choose Software Downloads
In the top right corner, click Applications
Under Xcode 15 beta, choose View Downloads
Now click View Details, you can uncheck iOS 17
Click the blue download button Xcode 15 beta and Selected Platforms
When downloaded, open the Xcode_15_beta.xip file
Now open Xcode 15 beta
Plug in your iPhone that’s running iOS 17 to your Mac
On your iPhone, open the Settings app
- You shouldn’t need to download the iOS 17 simulator
Choose Privacy & Security> swipe to the bottom and tap Developer Mode
Toggle it on and follow the process to restart your iPhone
After it reboots, make sure to tap Turn On
Now head back to Settings on iPhone> choose Developer (under TV Provider)
Swipe to the bottom and under AirPods Testing tap Pre-Release Beta Firmware
Tap the toggle next to your AirPods Pro 2
Apple says “Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and nearby this iPhone

Unfortunately, you can’t force install the AirPods beta update, but you can check when it auto-installs by heading to Bluetooth or the top of iOS Settings> tap your AirPods Pro 2.

You’ll know you have the beta when AirPods Pro 2 updates from 5E135 to build 6A238h (mine took about 30 minutes to auto-install).

Here’s how the process looks to install AirPods beta:

Choose Software Downloads on Apple’s Developer website: