AirPods Get Custom EQ and Other New Features With Latest Update

While the release of iOS 27 took much of the attention, Apple also rolled out a new AirPods software update this month. The update introduces a highly requested feature for supported AirPods models: custom EQ.

AirPods Software Details

The newest AirPods firmware versions are 9A350 for AirPods 5 and 9A348 for the other models listed below. The update is available for these AirPods models:

• AirPods Pro 3
• AirPods 4
• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
• AirPods 5
• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
• AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning and USB-C)
• AirPods Max 2

Apple says AirPods firmware updates are installed automatically when the earbuds are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to WiFi. You can view your AirPods firmware version through the Settings app on iPhone.

• Custom EQ Comes to AirPods

After the latest AirPods firmware update is installed, a long-awaited option called custom EQ appears in the Settings app.

The new custom EQ controls provide greater control over the way your AirPods sound. Through the Settings app, you can modify the lows, mids, and highs of your AirPods audio.

“AirPods are designed and engineered by Apple to faithfully represent music, TV shows and movies, and calls,” Apple explains. “If you prefer a different sound profile, you can customize how AirPods represent any audio played.”

While making adjustments with custom EQ, you can play a song from Apple Music directly within the Settings app, allowing you to hear the changes as you adjust them.

The feature is not the most sophisticated equalizer available. Instead, Apple has opted for a simple three-band system. Even so, custom EQ is an option AirPods users have been requesting for a long time, although many people will probably continue using the default settings.

The new custom EQ option is located in the AirPods section of the Settings app under the “Audio and Routing” menu. It works with all AirPods models featuring an H2 chip, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2.

Other iOS 27 Features for AirPods

Here are some of the other AirPods features introduced with iOS 27:

• Settings app redesign: Apple has updated the AirPods interface in the iOS 27 Settings app. Controls have been reorganized into dedicated sections for Hearing Health, Find My, Live Translation, and more.
• Adaptive Audio slider: The Settings app now includes a slider that provides additional control over Adaptive Audio mode.
• GymKit: Although GymKit has been available for years, it previously required an Apple Watch. As my colleague Zac explains, iOS 27 brings the complete GymKit experience to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3.
• Precision Finding: AirPods Pro 3 can now be located through Precision Finding in the Find My app on Apple Watch.
• Siri AI: When connected to a compatible iPhone, AirPods can interact with Siri AI.