Apple today released new 3E756 firmware designed for the AirPods Max, marking the third firmware update Apple has introduced for its high-end headphones since their December launch. The new 3E756 firmware replaces the 3C39 firmware that was released to AirPods Max owners in March.

Apple does not provide details on what's included in new firmware updates, so we don't know what bug fixes or improvements the new firmware might offer. There may be improvements to battery life, or updated support for Spatial Audio, a feature that debuted for Apple Music yesterday.

There's no standard way to upgrade firmware on AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, but connecting the AirPods Max to an iPhone or an iPad while connected to a power source may force the update.

You can check the firmware on your AirPods Max by following these steps:

• Connect your AirPods Max‌ to your iOS device.
• Open the Settings app.
• Tap General.
• Tap About.
• Tap ‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌.
• Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

In the past, updates for the AirPods Pro and AirPods have included performance improvements, bug fixes, and feature tweaks. The prior update, for example, addressed a Smart Case battery drain issue.

If we find notable changes after installing the firmware updates, we'll update this article.

Article Link: Apple Releases New '3E756' AirPods Max Firmware

I am sure, nay, almost certain, this is to fix and tamper down the criticism that these headphones can't play lossless audio files...

Do you guys see spatial audio animation while playing Dolby Atmos track ? I can see only while playing videos.

MacRumors said:

Apple does not provide details on what's included in new firmware updates, so we don't know what bug fixes or improvements the new firmware might offer.

Definitely doesn't give them support for lossless audio

Fozziebear71 said:

No it's not. It happens with all Over-The-Ear headphones.

Umm, no, it doesn't

I've never had anything like it - with dozens of pairs over decades

I was hoping for a 2nd improved edition of this product to replace my SONY WH-1000xm3,
but I fear the AirPod Max will follow the original HomePod into obsolescense

joecomo said:

I was hoping for a 2nd improved edition of this product to replace my SONY WH-1000xm3,
but I fear the AirPod Max will follow the original HomePod into obsolescense

It just came out 6 months ago.

odHbo said:

I never have condensation in my APM. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Btw, Spacial Audio sounds amazing on APM. I particularly love The Weeknd - “Blinding Lights”.

What this update needs to do is absolutely fix the weird connectivity and audio clicking interruptions that don’t ****ing go away until you go back to main iPhone audio and then back to Max. Sometimes takes a few tries.

Verryyyy dumb. I’ll report back to see if this has fixed the awful connectivity issues that crop up 50% of the time.

Good thing I bought AppleCare. I’m close to starting a support chat and letting them know this is simply unacceptable and will be needing a replacement if this firmware doesn’t address the issue.

To this day don't understand why apple handles the AirPods software updates the way they have

You can't choose to update or not, there's never any real change log. I'm typically an early updater anyways so it doesn't matter as much for me, but I can't think of a good reason. It's not like they are letting out trade secrets in the update logs

joecomo said:

I was hoping for a 2nd improved edition of this product to replace my SONY WH-1000xm3,
but I fear the AirPod Max will follow the original HomePod into obsolescense

And what do you want fixed? The only 2 problems I’ve heard about on here: condensation and 1 side temporarily losing transparency mode (or something like that) seem rare. I’ve not experienced either.

And if you’re waiting for an on/off button, I think you should reconsider. I’m not saying I would be upset if they added one, but it’s really a non-issue, and I’m not sure they’ll ever “give in” on that.

The only real problem is cost, which will get better with time.

tripleh3lix said:

It just came out 6 months ago.

I own a pair but I could see them being a 1 of 1. Obviously can go either way but the high end headphone market is probably fairly niche as it is. I own a pair and am fine with them, but there's a lot of competition for a small segment of the market overall.

Time will tell ultimately

anshuvorty said:

I am sure, nay, almost certain, this is to fix and tamper down the criticism that these headphones can't play lossless audio files...

Now when you put them on, instead of the familiar connection dong, Siri will sternly remind users that bluetooth is by nature a lossy transmission method.

defunder said:

And what do you want fixed? The only 2 problems I’ve heard about on here: condensation and 1 side temporarily losing transparency mode (or something like that) seem rare. I’ve not experienced either.

And if you’re waiting for an on/off button, I think you should reconsider. I’m not saying I would be upset if they added one, but it’s really a non-issue, and I’m not sure they’ll ever “give in” on that.

The only real problem is cost, which will get better with time.

Click to expand...

I disagree about the thing being a non issue. With my own pair I ran into that bug which some people reported leading to excessive battery drain. I use them infrequently enough to where it didn't matter much, but more than once would fully charge and have a depleted battery a day later.

Doesn't affect everyone but this would have been fixed by an on off mechanism of some sort, even through software

I think they are great headphones and are a pleasure to wear when I want to focus. Far better than my H95’s in terms of control and fit.
Yes there are some connections issues when switching to the phone from iPad for example , but am sure these will get resolved.

Apparently, mine shipped with 3C39. [Bought my Max near the end of last month.] No issues so far, so I wonder what improvements come with 3E756.

Like some of you mentioned, I wish we had more control over initiating firmware updates and more visibility on the changes applied per update.

Ugh, getting Apple to push me the new firmware is always an exercise in frustration.

furqan8421 said:

To this day don't understand why apple handles the AirPods software updates the way they have

You can't choose to update or not, there's never any real change log. I'm typically an early updater anyways so it doesn't matter as much for me, but I can't think of a good reason. It's not like they are letting out trade secrets in the update logs

Seems easy enough to understand: They have software improvements that they want to push out to all users, not just those who notice an update is available and then take the time to install it. If it can be handled on a fully-automated basis, then why add the human element to the equation? I find this nearly seductive - a product that automatically improves over time.

Why shouldn’t firmware auto-update? It’s relatively simple device-specific software. Updates will be either bug fixes, power-efficiency tweaks, more-efficient/higher-quality codec algorithms, improved wireless communication profiles, or add compatibility with features delivered by new versions of the serving device’s OS. Is there something on this list a person wouldn’t want?

Unlike a desktop computing environment there’s no need to stay on an older OS in order to support apps that are incompatible with the new OS, there’s nearly never a change to operating control functions (adapt to new/modified UI elements)…

Change logs… this isn’t an open system OS where users are actively engaged in debugging. If you mean the typical Apple-style update notice, “Fixed an issue that could impact connectivity to devices using certain Bluetooth chip sets” Just how many users would find that at all helpful?

Altogether, on what basis would any individual choose to not upgrade? Would it be a properly informed decision, or just an emotional response to change of any sort? Bottom line for me is, if you distrust the company’s ability to improve the product through software, or distrust the company’s motives for issuing new software, then why buy the product in the first place?

sw1tcher said:

Definitely doesn't give them support for lossless audio

It can't support lossless audio unless Apple invents a new radio standard. Sony's LDAC is ALMOST cd quality. Or Apple places a stronger transmitter to allow WiFi bandwidth for audio. Or Apple places memory chips in the headset to buffer a stream.

ApfelKuchen said:

Why shouldn’t firmware auto-update? It’s relatively simple device-specific software. Updates will be either bug fixes, power-efficiency tweaks, more-efficient/higher-quality codec algorithms, improved wireless communication profiles, or add compatibility with features delivered by new versions of the serving device’s OS. Is there something on this list a person wouldn’t want?

ApfelKuchen said:

Altogether, on what basis would any individual choose to not upgrade? Would it be a properly informed decision, or just an emotional response to change of any sort?

Like that time when an AirPods Pro firmware update (2B588) had issues with noise cancelling?
Apple Provides Advice to AirPods Pro Users Experiencing Noise Cancellation or Crackling Sound Issues

furqan8421 said:

I disagree about the thing being a non issue. With my own pair I ran into that bug which some people reported leading to excessive battery drain. I use them infrequently enough to where it didn't matter much, but more than once would fully charge and have a depleted battery a day later.

Doesn't affect everyone but this would have been fixed by an on off mechanism of some sort, even through software

I disagree with the reason you disagree. you don't fix a problem (battery draining) that some, but definitely not all, have but slapping on another button. You fix the problem at the sofware root. I believe the problem is real, and maybe it has already been fixed, or maybe its in the next fix, but I have faith it will be fixed for those that have the problem (I personally do not). I have come to really really really appreciate that to use the headphones I just have to pick them up off the desk and put them on my head. Certainly a first world luxury to not have to worry if they are on or off, or take the time to flick a switch, but it is a luxury I enjoy. Do not want it taken away to fix a problem I do not have.