AirPods just got a long-requested feature in new public beta – 9to5Mac

While it was overshadowed by the iOS 27 public beta, Apple also released a new public beta firmware for AirPods this week. The update brings a long-requested feature to supported AirPods models: custom EQ.

AirPods public beta details

The AirPods public beta is firmware version 9.0.314 with build number 9A314b. The update is available for the following AirPods models:

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

You can opt in to the AirPods public beta in the Settings app on your iPhone. When your AirPods are connected, you’ll see a toggle in the Settings app to enable the beta firmware. Then, betas will download and install when your AirPods are in their charging case and within range of your paired iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Bluetooth
3. Tap the (i) next to your AirPods
4. Scroll down and toggle on “AirPods Beta Updates”

Custom EQ comes to AirPods

Once you install the AirPods public beta, you’ll see a long-awaited new feature in the Settings app: custom EQ.

You now have more control over how your AirPods sound thanks to the new custom EQ controls. In the Settings app, you can adjust the lows, mids, and highs of how your AirPods sound.

“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 adjusting the custom EQ settings, you can play a song from Apple Music right in the Settings app to hear the adjustments in real time.

By no means is this the most advanced equalizer feature out there. It’s a basic, three-band system. Still, it’s a long-awaited AirPods feature that Apple has finally given users — even if the vast majority will likely stick with the default levels.

You can find the new custom EQ feature in the AirPods section of the Settings app under the “Audio and Routing” menu. The feature is available on all AirPods with an H2 chip, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2.

Other iOS 27 features for AirPods

Here are the other new AirPods features for iOS 27:

• Settings app redesign: In iOS 27, Apple has redesigned the AirPods interface in the Settings app. The controls have been reorganized, with separate menus for Hearing Health, Find My, Live Translation, and more.
• Adaptive Audio slider: In the Settings app, you now have a slider to more fine-tune Adaptive Audio mode.
• GymKit: While GymKit has been around for years, it’s always required an Apple Watch. As my colleague Zac explains, iOS 27 brings the full GymKit experience to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3.
• Precision Finding: You can now use Precision Finding in the Find My app on Apple Watch to locate AirPods Pro 3.
• Siri AI: When paired to a compatible iPhone, AirPods can interact with Siri AI.

Wrap up

What new AirPods features are you most excited to try? Are you going to try the new custom EQ feature? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

• Anker Nano USB-C wall charger with built-in screen
• AirPods Pro 3: Check the current sale price
• Charge all your Apple gear at the same time
• Bring wireless CarPlay to any car
• USB-C cable that shows how fast you’re charging

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