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

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:

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.

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:

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.

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