Apple’s AirPods have become one of the most popular wireless audio products for iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Whether you use AirPods for listening to music, watching movies, making calls or playing games, Apple’s wireless earbuds offer a seamless experience across its ecosystem.
With features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio, improved microphones and strong battery life, AirPods have continued to evolve over the years. However, one feature many users have wanted for a long time is more control over how their AirPods actually sound.
With iOS 27, Apple is finally introducing a custom EQ feature for compatible AirPods. The new equalizer allows users to adjust different frequency ranges and personalize their listening experience by changing the bass, mids and highs.
If you want deeper bass, clearer vocals or brighter instruments, the new AirPods EQ gives you more control than before.
Here’s everything you need to know about adjusting the custom EQ settings for your AirPods in iOS 27.
What Is the New AirPods Custom EQ in iOS 27?
The custom EQ feature allows users to manually adjust how their AirPods process different audio frequencies.
Instead of relying entirely on Apple’s default sound tuning, users can create a personalized audio profile.
The equalizer includes three main frequency ranges:
- Lows
- Mids
- Highs
Each range affects a different part of the sound.
For example, increasing the low frequencies can make bass and kick drums more powerful. Increasing the mids can improve vocals and many instruments, while boosting the highs can add more clarity and detail to sounds such as cymbals and hi-hats.
The feature is designed to be simple enough for casual listeners while still giving users more control over their audio.
Which AirPods Support Custom EQ?
Apple has not yet provided a complete official list of AirPods models that support the custom EQ feature.
However, reports suggest that the feature is currently available on newer AirPods models equipped with Apple’s H2 chip.
Compatible models may include:
- AirPods Pro 2
- AirPods Pro 3
- AirPods 4
- AirPods Max 2
You will also need the latest beta software and compatible AirPods firmware if the feature has not yet reached the public version of iOS.
What You Need Before Getting Started
Before adjusting your AirPods EQ, make sure you have:
- An iPhone running iOS 27 or the latest compatible beta
- An iPad running the latest compatible software
- A Mac running the latest compatible macOS version
- Compatible AirPods
- The latest AirPods firmware
Your AirPods must be connected to your device before the settings become available.
How to Adjust AirPods Custom EQ on iPhone
Follow these steps to change your AirPods sound settings:
Step 1: Connect Your AirPods
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
You can do this by opening the AirPods case near your iPhone or selecting them from the Bluetooth settings.
Step 2: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 3: Select Your AirPods
Tap your AirPods from the device settings section.
This will open the dedicated settings page for your connected AirPods.
Step 4: Go to Audio Settings
Navigate to:
Audio & Routing > Equalizer
If the Equalizer option is available, you can begin adjusting your audio settings.
If you do not see the feature, you may need to update your AirPods firmware or enable beta updates.
How to Enable AirPods Beta Updates
If you are using beta software and cannot find the new EQ feature, try the following:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select your connected AirPods.
- Scroll down.
- Tap AirPods Beta Updates.
- Turn on the toggle.
AirPods firmware updates are generally installed automatically.
To help the update process:
- Put your AirPods inside their charging case.
- Connect the charging case to power if needed.
- Keep the AirPods near your connected iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- Make sure the connected device has an internet connection.
After the firmware updates, check the AirPods settings again.
How the AirPods 3-Band Equalizer Works
Apple’s new equalizer uses a simple three-band system.
The available controls include:
Low Frequencies
The low-frequency range controls the bass.
This affects sounds such as:
- Kick drums
- Bass guitars
- Electronic bass
- Deep cinematic effects
Increasing the lows can make music sound more powerful and energetic.
However, setting the bass too high may make some songs sound muddy or overpower the vocals.
Mid Frequencies
The midrange contains many of the sounds we hear most clearly in music.
This includes:
- Vocals
- Guitars
- Piano
- Many instruments
Increasing the mids can help vocals stand out and make instruments sound more present.
If you listen to podcasts, acoustic music or vocal-heavy songs, you may prefer slightly stronger mids.
High Frequencies
The high-frequency range adds brightness and detail.
This affects sounds such as:
- Cymbals
- Hi-hats
- Fine instrument details
- Upper vocal frequencies
Boosting the highs can make music sound clearer and more detailed.
However, increasing them too much can make some tracks sound sharp or harsh.
How to Create Your Own AirPods EQ Profile
The best EQ settings depend on your personal preferences.
There is no single setting that works perfectly for everyone.
A good way to find your preferred sound is to play one of your favorite songs while adjusting the EQ.
Start with the default settings and slowly change one slider at a time.
For example:
For More Bass
Try increasing:
Lows
Keep the mids and highs close to their default settings.
For Clearer Vocals
Try increasing:
Mids
You can slightly reduce the bass if vocals sound hidden behind the music.
For More Detail
Try increasing:
Highs
This can make instruments and background details easier to hear.
For a Balanced Sound
Keep all three settings close to the center.
This is usually the best choice if you listen to many different types of music.
Don’t Worry If You Make a Mistake
Experimenting with EQ settings is easy.
If you increase or decrease something too much and don’t like the results, you can simply use the Reset button.
Resetting the EQ will return all three frequency bands to their default flat settings.
This makes it easy to experiment without worrying about permanently changing your AirPods.
AirPods EQ and Apple Music EQ Are Different
One important thing to remember is that the new AirPods EQ settings are separate from the equalizer settings inside Apple Music.
If you use Apple Music, you may also have another EQ profile enabled.
You can check Apple Music EQ settings by going to:
Settings > Apps > Music > EQ
If you do not want multiple equalizers affecting your music at the same time, consider turning the Apple Music EQ off.
Using multiple EQ settings can dramatically change how music sounds.
For most users, using only one EQ system makes it easier to understand which adjustments are affecting the audio.
Check Headphone Accommodations Too
Another setting that can affect your audio is Headphone Accommodations.
You can find it by going to:
Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations
This feature can adjust audio based on your listening preferences.
If your AirPods sound different than expected after changing EQ settings, check whether Headphone Accommodations or other audio effects are enabled.
Do AirPods EQ Settings Work on Other Devices?
One of the most useful aspects of the new custom EQ feature is that the settings may be stored directly on the AirPods.
This means your preferred sound profile can potentially follow your AirPods when you connect them to another compatible device.
For example, after creating a bass-heavy EQ profile on your iPhone, you may be able to enjoy the same audio tuning when connecting your AirPods to another device.
You can also adjust the AirPods EQ using compatible iPads and Macs.
On a Mac, open:
System Settings
Then select your connected AirPods and look for the available audio controls.
On an iPad, the settings can be found through the Settings app when your AirPods are connected.
Is the New AirPods Custom EQ Worth Using?
For many users, absolutely.
Apple’s three-band equalizer may not offer the detailed control found in professional multi-band audio software, but that simplicity is also one of its strengths.
Most users do not want to adjust ten or twenty different frequency bands.
The new system makes it easy to choose between:
- More bass
- Clearer vocals
- Brighter sound
- A more balanced listening experience
You can quickly adjust the sound without needing advanced knowledge of audio engineering.
Final Thoughts
The addition of a custom EQ is a welcome improvement for AirPods users.
For years, Apple’s audio products have focused heavily on automatic sound tuning and simplicity. While that works well for casual listening, some users want more control over their music.
With iOS 27, Apple is giving AirPods owners the ability to personalize their listening experience through a simple three-band equalizer.
Whether you want powerful bass, clearer vocals or brighter highs, the new custom EQ makes it easier to tune your AirPods to your personal taste.
If you have compatible AirPods and access to the latest iOS 27 software, connect your earbuds, open the AirPods settings and start experimenting.
You might be surprised by how much a few small adjustments can change the way your favorite music sounds.
