AirPods finally get a feature they should have had years ago

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is on track for the week of June 8, and in addition to teasing new iOS 27 features coming to users’ iPhones relatively soon, the company also announced new toys for AirPods users. In addition to the fact that AirPods Pro 3 users can now sync heart rate data to their iPhone via Apple GymKit, users also get another highly anticipated feature.

Briefly mentioned on Apple’s official page highlighting new features in iOS 27, users may have missed the news buried between new features in the Apple Home app and new advanced aerial imagery in Maps, but AirPods are finally getting adjustable EQ settings. Some AirPods users have had the ability to adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies of what they’re listening to via the adaptive EQ or presets; however, this generally allows Apple to control the sound.

AirPods have always been capable of doing some pretty clever things beyond playing a user’s favorite songs, and audio heads will certainly approve of the ability to adjust settings to their liking. However, it should be noted that only certain models will benefit from this feature. While Apple hasn’t had much news for AirPods owners, macOS users are getting some big new features with macOS 27 Golden Gate, and notable features in iOS 27 include Siri getting full Apple Intelligence support, new photo editing tools, better child safety features, and more.

If you’re the type who likes to tweak settings, Apple’s new customizable EQ for AirPods will definitely help you find the sweet spot in the controls. Part of iOS 27, the new feature will be available for devices equipped with the company’s proprietary H2 audio chip. This means that those who own AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2 will be able to adjust their audio frequencies.

Although some are hoping for additional adjustments, users will now be able to manually adjust the treble, midrange, and bass. With iOS 27, iPad users will also be able to take advantage of iPadOS 27 controls. iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 are expected to arrive in the fall. In addition to adjusting controls, users will be able to preview their changes, allowing them to make additional changes before accepting them. Apple also includes the ability to reset the equalizer to default settings.

Traditionally, AirPods users could only choose from a list of presets, including options like Pop, Rock, or Latin. On higher-end models like AirPods Pro or AirPods Max (and AirPods 4), users get an adaptive equalizer that Apple says “adjusts sound in real time based on how the AirPods fit in the user’s ear.” For audiophiles, the new feature may be a blessing, but regular listeners will also appreciate the customization.