Police issue security warning about AirPod "vulnerability"

Daniel Angelini

5 July 2024 at 9:59 am·1-min read

Police and cybersecurity experts have shared a warning about a new vulnerability in Apple AirPods <i>(Image: Getty Images.)</i> — Police and cybersecurity experts have shared a warning about a new vulnerability in Apple AirPods *(Image: Getty Images.)*

Police in Wiltshire have issued a security warning to owners of AirPods.

The Wiltshire Police Cyber and Fraud Protect group shared The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West's urgent advice for people who have these wireless earphones.

The centre raised awareness of a new vulnerability in the high-tech accessories which "allows attackers to listen and record through the microphone in the AirPods".

A spokesperson added: "If you own any Apple AirPods or recent Beats headphones, please use the instructions below from Apple to ensure they are updated to protect against this vulnerability."

Firmware updates are delivered automatically while AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of the paired device that's connected to Wi-Fi.

To use an iPhone or iPad to check that the AirPods are up to date, owners should make sure that they have the latest iOS or iPadOS installed before going to Settings > Bluetooth, then tapping the Info button next to the name of the AirPods, and scrolling down to the About section.

The latest firmware for each type of AirPod is as follows:

-AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C or Lightning): 6F8

-AirPods Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) and AirPods Max: 6A326.

-AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8.

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