AirPods Software Engineer

Summary

Do you want to help make magic happen? Be part of the team that delivers exceptional experiences like Spatial Audio, Precision Finding, Live Listen, and seamless connectivity across Apple's world‑class headphones and accessories. Join our team to drive innovation that matters to millions of customers worldwide.

Bring surprise and delight to our customers in this multi‑faceted software role that forms the pillar of Air Pods, Air Tags, and other accessories. You will be challenged with unique problems spanning the full stack—from real‑time embedded firmware to system frameworks—as you build and develop software solutions for current and next‑generation accessories. What makes this role unique is end‑to‑end ownership: our team owns critical software components on both sides of the wireless connection—the embedded firmware running on accessories and the system software on iOS/vision

OS devices. This dual ownership gives us the power to craft seamless connected experiences and innovate across the entire stack. Whether you are debugging a tricky Bluetooth protocol issue, optimizing audio latency, or implementing a new feature that spans accessory and host, you will be solving unique challenges that directly impact millions of users every day.

• Develop and maintain embedded Bluetooth stack features on resource‑constrained accessories with real‑time performance requirements
• Design and implement system software, daemons, and frameworks on iOS/visionOS
• Bring up new audio products and chipsets
• Ensure secure and private wireless communications across Apple's ecosystem
• Debug complex issues spanning iOS‑device software and accessory firmware
• Create diagnostic tools, telemetry systems, and testing infrastructure for cross‑platform features, working closely with QA
• Collaborate with a wide variety of cross‑functional teams to build and deliver end‑to‑end experiences
• Drive innovation on emerging wireless technologies and product features

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong C/C++ programming skills with attention to code quality, performance, and maintainability
• Solid understanding of systems programming concepts: memory management, concurrency, state machines, and event‑driven architectures
• Strong analytical and debugging skills—ability to dig deep into complex problems
• Thrives in collaborative environments with excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with Objective‑C, Objective‑C++, or Swift
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, firmware, device drivers, or low‑level system software
• Knowledge of real‑time audio or wireless technologies
• Passion for product ownership and track record of delivering features end‑to‑end

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $126,800 and $220,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become Apple shareholders through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs, purchase Apple stock at a discount via the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and receive discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation assistance.

Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, discounted products and free services, and reimbursement for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, including tuition. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Apple is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.