AirPod Pro 3's will not update (model A3063)

Question

AirPod Pro 3's will not update (model A3063)

I've been trying to update my AirPod Pro 3's firmware from the firmware they were on when I bought them (8A353) to the current 8A357 version (as of writing).

I've followed this: About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support (CA)

and I've gone through multiple reset processes following this: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support (CA)

I've left my new AirPods in the case, plugged in and charging beside a running Mac, as well as an iPhone with bluetooth turned on for 12+ hours and the AirPods are still running 8A353.

The only thing I can think of at this point is that the Mac and iPhone are running macOS 15.7 and iOS 18.7 - not version 26.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar trying to update the new AirPod's?

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 3:14 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ohad770

Level 1

8 points

Oct 8, 2025 1:13 PM in response to tomatoandcake

After seeing I’m not the only one with this issue i tried something different. My iPhone is in 18.7.1 (I’m not upgrading to iOS 26 only because how bad the battery draining was. (iPhone 16 p max). My iPad is on iPadOS 26.0.1 and I thought that maybe with that it will update, so I turn of the Bluetooth on my iPhone and my AirPods p 3 was only connected to my iPad and it works and updated to 8A538.

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Answer 2

Oct 14, 2025 6:05 PM in response to pbastian

I've found this to be the case - I have multiple phones, and updated one of them to iOS 26.0.1. I was then very quickly able to update the AirPods firmware to the current version.

On my device with iOS 18 - the AirPods still show the strange "ACCESSORY_MODEL_NAME" - but now reflect the updated firmware number.

iOS 26 shows the right information and name for the product.

From what I can tell based on this - you do indeed need iOS or macOS 26 to update the firmware on AirPods Pro 3.

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Answer 3

Spike-KK

Level 1

14 points

Oct 2, 2025 4:09 PM in response to tomatoandcake

It’s not too difficult. I just got my APP3 today (10/2).

Make sure the case and phone are above 50% battery.

Insert AirPods Pro 3 and listen to something for about 30seconds.

put the pods back in the case and charging next the iPhone.

It will update within 10min.

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Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

215,196 points

Sep 29, 2025 3:26 PM in response to Garcialg88

Where did you get the AirPods Pro 3?

Try forgetting the AirPod Pro 2 on the iPhone and repair the 3s to it.

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

215,196 points

Oct 9, 2025 3:05 PM in response to peelage

Have you taken the AirPods and case into your Apple Genius Bar and see if they can update the firmware on the case?

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,652 points

Oct 2, 2025 4:22 PM in response to tomatoandcake

You need to update to 26.

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Answer 7

pbastian

Level 1

38 points

Oct 2, 2025 8:14 AM in response to mrcrtoon

The #2 is a possible artifact of firmware version. Make sure you are on latest iOS your device supports (including iOS 26) and then update themAir Pods Prom3 firmware.

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Answer 8

pbastian

Level 1

38 points

Sep 24, 2025 7:08 PM in response to tomatoandcake

Same boat. Just got these. They are on 8A353. I want to upgrade but it refuses. All my stuff is updated to the latest pre-OS26 stuff.

Nothing on Apple's Firmware site about minimum requirements for firmware updates to 8A356 or 8A357.

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Answer 9

Sep 29, 2025 2:41 PM in response to tomatoandcake

I just bought the AirPods Pro 3 however when I connected them they show as pro #2 my phone is updated to current update and still showing as #2 model number shows as A3063. I’m so confused, will the AirPods update?

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Answer 10

peelage

Level 1

55 points

Oct 9, 2025 2:37 PM in response to KiltedTim

I've been on iOS 26 since launch, AirPods Case Version won't update to 8A358 (see attached). I normally wouldn't care, but the case is giving me fast battery drain and other issues. The AirPods themselves work perfectly, so not urgent, but wondering if everyone else sees a version mismatch too?

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 11

kerem_c

Level 1

26 points

Sep 27, 2025 12:22 PM in response to tomatoandcake

I bought new Airpods Pro 3 on September 26th. It came with version 8A353 out of the box. I followed all the instructions but I can't update it.

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Answer 12

Sep 29, 2025 5:20 PM in response to Old Toad

I purchased them through Target. I did forget the AirPods Pro 2 and re connected the three and still stay “pro 2” I probably got scammed

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Answer 13

mrcrtoon

Level 1

6 points

Oct 1, 2025 3:43 PM in response to tomatoandcake

Same problem here, also did all that you did. Purchased at Target todayOct. 1, 2025. Also already deleted old pro 2's from being recognized. 3's still say #2. Running all current updates.

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