Apple's line of AirPods will gain a custom equalizer in software as part of the company's 2026 fall OS updates, giving users more control over how they sound.
A custom EQ will allow AirPods owners to customize their sound signature, such as increasing the bass or boosting the treble. Apple announced the new feature as part of its WWDC 2026 opening keynote.
This is the first time that Apple has allowed AirPods owners to actively change the way they sound. It also has the potential to open the AirPods lineup to more customers, such as those who found them to be too bass-heavy.
While a custom EQ gives AirPods owners a direct way to customize their audio, existing features can adjust it automatically. Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness, for example, adjust the AirPods listening experience in real time, and automatically.
Unfortunately, AirPods owners will have to wait to set their own custom EQ. Because the feature is part of Apple's 2026 software updates, it won't be available until this fall alongside the release of iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and the rest of this year's updates.
