Apple’s AirPods public beta firmware version 9.0.314 (build 9A314b) introduces custom EQ, a feature users have requested for years. The three-band equalizer lets you adjust bass, mids, and treble directly in the Settings app, with real-time preview from Apple Music built in. Here is how to set it up.
Compatible AirPods models
Custom EQ is available on every AirPods model with an H2 chip:
- AirPods Pro 3
- AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning and USB-C)
- AirPods 4
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- AirPods Max 2
How to enroll in the AirPods public beta
Custom EQ is currently available only in the AirPods public beta. To access it before iOS 27 launches in September 2026, you need to opt in first.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your AirPods near the top of the screen.
- Scroll down and enroll in the AirPods Public Beta.
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and keep them within range of your iPhone.
- The firmware will download and install automatically. No manual trigger is needed.
Once the update installs, your AirPods will be running firmware 9.0.314 and custom EQ will appear in Settings.
How to adjust the custom EQ
- Open Settings on your iPhone with your AirPods connected.
- Tap your AirPods at the top of the screen.
- Tap Audio and Routing.
- Tap EQ or the equalizer option listed in that menu.
- Switch from Recommended to Custom.
- Drag the three sliders to adjust Bass, Mids, and Treble to your preference.
- To hear your changes live, tap the Apple Music playback option within the Settings screen. A song will play through your AirPods without leaving the app.
Your custom profile saves automatically, to return to Apple’s default tuning at any time, switch back to Recommended.
What to expect from the three-band EQ
The implementation is intentionally simple. Apple describes the feature as a way to personalise how AirPods represent audio if you prefer a different sound profile from the default. Three bands cover most practical adjustments: lifting muddy bass, pulling back overly bright treble, or adding presence to vocals in the mids.
For most listeners, three bands are sufficient. For audio enthusiasts accustomed to graphic or parametric EQ tools, it is a starting point rather than a full solution. The custom EQ setting applies across all audio sources, not just Apple Music, though the in-Settings preview is Apple Music only.
Custom EQ is part of a wider iOS 27 overhaul of the AirPods Settings interface, which also adds a slider for finer Adaptive Audio tuning and reorganized menus for Hearing Health, Find My, and Live Translation. The feature exits beta when iOS 27 launches in September 2026.
1 comment