Apple has one on Wednesday night Important firmware update Released for owners of current AirPods and Beats headphones. It does not offer any functional innovations, but it fixes a potentially problematic security vulnerability, as the company said in parallel on its security update website communicates. The bug affects the Bluetooth implementation integrated into the devices, which allows devices to be hijacked. Problem: Unfortunately, the update process is not easy to initiate. Users may have to wait several days or weeks for the update to be completed.
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Which models are affected
The new firmware for AirPods has version number 6A326. It is intended for second-generation AirPods, all AirPods Pro models, and AirPods Max over-ear headphones – eventually for all current AirPods on the market. Firmware 6F8 is available for devices from Apple subsidiary Beats, but only for the Powerbeats Pro and Beats Fit Pro models. It was initially unclear whether other models also needed a patch, but Apple does not offer it.
The vulnerability with CVE ID 2024-27867 was discovered by security researcher Jonas Dressler. Apple describes them as follows: “If your headphones send a connection request to one of your already paired devices, an attacker within Bluetooth range may be able to spoof the intended source device and gain access to your headphones.” With this hijacking, it is conceivable that attackers could not only bombard a person with unwanted sounds, but also redirect other connections – such as telephony or voice chat – through their devices and thus record them. It is not known whether this is already happening in practice.
Figma: Screen designers and developers should work closely togetherFirmware updates for AirPods and Beats can take time
The problem with such bugs is that Apple does not provide an official way to force update the firmware of its AirPods and Beats headphones. “Firmware updates are provided automatically when your headphones are paired with your iPhone, iPad or Mac and are within Bluetooth range,” it says briefly. You can only check in the Bluetooth settings (on the iPhone, for example) whether the new firmware has arrived. Otherwise it’s time to wait.
However, some users use tips and tricks on the Internet to speed up the firmware update of their audio devices: it will help to listen to 30 seconds of music via Apple’s in-house streaming service Apple Music and then immediately connect the AirPods to the power connection. The company puts it in its charging case (for AirPods Max: in the case including Lightning connection). However, it is not guaranteed that it will always work and it reminds a bit of IT voodoo. Apple always asks customers to wait for automatic delivery. Alternatively, you can make an appointment At an authorized repair facility or Apple Store Do this where there is special hardware that can force an update.
(B.Sc.)
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