Apple released AirPods public beta firmware version 9.0.314 (build 9A314b), introducing custom EQ, a feature users have requested for years. The three-band equalizer lets you adjust lows, mids, and highs directly in Settings, with real-time preview from Apple Music right in the app.
The feature lands on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 (both Lightning and USB-C), AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Max 2. You’ll find it under Settings > AirPods > Audio and Routing. This reverses Apple’s long-standing position that its audio tuning should remain fixed, a stance that became harder to defend as competitors like Sony and FiiO offered EQ controls as standard.
What the Feature Actually Does
The implementation is straightforward: three sliders control bass, mids, and treble. You can select between Apple’s “Recommended” default and your own custom profile. While you’re tweaking, the Settings app lets you play a song from Apple Music to hear changes live, a genuinely useful touch that saves switching between apps.
Early testers report the system works, but it’s basic compared to professional or third-party solutions. The limitation is by design since Apple’s minimalist approach trades parametric control for simplicity. For most people, three bands are enough to lift muddy bass or tame bright treble. For audio enthusiasts used to graphic EQs or parametric tools, it’s a starting point, not a destination.
Part of a Broader AirPods Redesign
Custom EQ arrives alongside a wider iOS 27 overhaul of the AirPods Settings interface. Apple has reorganized controls, added a slider for finer Adaptive Audio tuning, and separated menus for Hearing Health, Find My, and Live Translation. AirPods Pro 3 now support GymKit directly on iPhone without requiring an Apple Watch, and you can use Precision Finding on Apple Watch to locate your AirPods Pro 3 in the Find My app.
To opt in, go to Settings on your iPhone and enroll in the AirPods public beta. Firmware downloads and installs automatically when AirPods are in their case and in range. IOS 27 launches in September 2026, so expect custom EQ to land officially then alongside new iPhone models.
