Airpods Max never updates firmware

Hello jesegel,

The current latest firmware version for AirPods Max is 5E135.

If that's not the version that's installed then be sure to first connect the AirPods to an iOS, iPadOS or macOS device using the latest version of the respective OS.

After the AirPods are connected, try the following steps:

1. Ensure you have a Wi-Fi connection and that the AirPods Max are within Bluetooth range of the iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. With the AirPods Max on, try listening to music or other audio content for at least 30 seconds.
3. Put the AirPods Max in the Smart Case.
4. Plug the Lightning cable into the bottom-right earphone. Then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port. Wait 30 minutes for the firmware to update. 
5. After 30 minutes, reconnect the AirPods Max to the iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device. 

If the steps haven't successfully updated the AirPods then you may wish to try them again.

Cheers.

I've tried this several times, several days in a row, nothing happens. Still on 4E71!

Still nothing. Isn't there any way to do this manually?

Have you had any luck? I am encountering this problem as well.