The update is the first notable AirPods firmware release since 8B39 last month and arrives ahead of iOS 26.5, expected in the coming weeks.
Apple had not yet posted release notes for 8B40, but the update is currently limited to AirPods Pro 3 and likely focuses on bug fixes and other improvements.
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 may receive the firmware later, while users still cannot manually trigger installation and must rely on Apple's automatic update process.
Beyond bug fixes, what secret features might Apple's new AirPods firmware unlock ahead of iOS 26.5?
Is this silent AirPods update paving the way for Apple's rumored AI-powered Siri and future health ambitions?