In addition to three AirPods firmware updates released earlier today, Apple also rolled out firmware version 1B211 for the Beats Studio Buds, fixing a serious vulnerability. Here are the details.

Apple patches potentially serious security flaw on Beats Studio Buds

Earlier today, Apple released firmware version 8.1.41 (8B41) for the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Additionally, Apple released firmware update 1B211 for the Beats Studio Buds, with an important security fix.

According to a support document the company published after the release, Beats Firmware Update 1B211 fixes an issue where “[a]n attacker within Bluetooth range may be able to listen through the microphone of a device which is not yet paired and actively seeking pair requests.”

The company says that this vulnerability (CVE-2025-20701) is related to “open source code,” adding that “Apple Software is among the affected projects.”

Interestingly, Apple also just published the release notes for firmware version 8.1.41 (8B41), which rolled out to the three AirPods models earlier today. Unlike the Beats Studio Buds update, however, those notes only mention “bug fixes and other improvements,” with no listed security content.

If you own a pair of Beats Studio Buds, there is no way to instantly start or push the firmware update manually. Instead, here’s Apple’s official instructions to update your Beats headphones paired to an Apple device:

Before you begin, make sure your device has the latest version of iOS, iPadOS or macOS installed and is connected to Wi-Fi.

  1. On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Make sure your Beats are connected to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
  3. Fully charge your Beats (or make sure they’re connected to power).
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Beats with a case: Place both earbuds in the case, then close the lid.
    • Beats with a power or system button: Turn off your Beats device.
  5. Keep your Beats in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac, then wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
  6. Reconnect your Beats to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
  7. Check the firmware version.If you still can’t update your firmware, reset your Beats, then try to update the firmware again.

Apple has a support document that also explains the step-by-step process for updating Beats on Android devices.

To learn more about the security content of Beats Firmware Update 1B211, follow this link.

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