If you've ever wanted a native way to control how your AirPods sound across every device and app, Apple has finally provided it in iOS 27. Here's where to find the setting and what it can do.

Apple's 2026 WWDC keynote was packed with tiny features and improvements. One of the long-awaited crowd pleasers was bringing an equalizer to AirPods settings.

Owners of the AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 can now choose the level of playback for lows, mids, and highs manually. It's not the most complex equalizer I've seen, but it is certainly better than nothing.

Apple has a default sound profile that it believes best represents what music, TV shows, and movies sound like. However, the chief complaint for AirPods reviews, namely the AirPods Pro 3, was the lack of ability to customize this sound profile.

Previously, the only way to customize anything related to audio playback was via individual settings in some apps. Apple Music had a classic EQ, but one with predetermined setpoints like "Acoustic" or "Jazz."

Now, the EQ setting is customizable and attached to the hardware itself, so it sticks even when you use your AirPods with other devices. Here's how the EQ settings work and where to find them.

AirPods EQ settings in iOS 27

After updating to iOS 27 and the latest version of AirPods software, both currently in beta, you'll see the new setting.

  1. Navigate to the Settings app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  2. Put your AirPods in and look for the settings pane at the top of the app or select the "i" in Bluetooth by the AirPods.
  3. Select Audio and Routing, then Equalizer.
  4. Select Custom to manually pick your sound profile.
  5. Drag the three dots representing Low, Mid, and High to pick your desired level.

Whatever audio you might have playing at the time will show up in the Equalizer settings and show the audio waveform. Pick your favorite song or podcast, and that'll help you pick exactly how you'd like the audio profile to perform.

I'm quite happy with Apple's default, so I've kept it selected to Recommended. Those who want more bass or reduced mids now have that ability, so it's good that Apple has finally provided the option.

While you're in AirPods settings, be sure to toggle the other personalization features like Personalized Spatial Audio and custom Adaptive Audio volume. There's also a setting for adapting the AirPods volume based on environmental sound levels.