Apple Introduces Custom EQ and Enhanced Audio Controls for AirPods with iOS 27

Apple is preparing to launch a 'Custom EQ' feature for AirPods as part of the upcoming iOS 27 update, providing users with a native equalizer to adjust low, mid, and high-frequency audio tones. While AirPods offer immediate functionality, Apple continues to expand customization options for their audio devices, allowing users to tailor their listening experience beyond default settings.

The new 'Custom EQ' feature, which can be previewed by installing the iOS 27 beta, will officially arrive this fall. This addition marks a significant step in giving users more control over their audio output, enabling them to fine-tune sound profiles directly from their Apple devices.

Customizing Listening Modes

For AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro models, users can switch between various 'Listening Modes' by pressing and holding the force sensor located on the stem of either earbud. This action results in a tactile click, indicating a mode change. The available modes include Active Noise Cancellation, which blocks ambient sound, and Transparency mode, which allows external noise to pass through for situational awareness.

The mode-switching feature is enabled by default, but users can customize it through the Settings app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. To access these controls, the AirPods must be in use or their charging case must be open. Within the device's settings menu, navigating to the 'Press and Hold AirPods' section allows for individual earbud customization. Users can choose to cycle between Transparency and Noise Cancellation, or add an 'Adaptive mode' which automatically adjusts external noise levels based on the surrounding environment. An 'Off' option is also available to completely disable advanced noise control features. If more than two modes are selected, the AirPods will cycle through all chosen options when the stem is pressed and held.

Additional Audio Personalization

Beyond listening modes, the AirPods control center offers several other personalization options. Users can configure the press-and-hold action to summon Siri instead of switching listening modes, allowing for a split configuration where one AirPod activates Siri and the other manages sound modes. The 'Personalized Volume' feature adjusts media volume in response to the user's environment, while 'Conversation Awareness' automatically lowers media volume and reduces background noise when a user begins speaking to others.

The 'Loud Sound Reduction' setting helps protect hearing by decreasing exposure to excessively loud sounds. For those utilizing the Adaptive listening mode, further customization is available to control the amount of external noise permitted. Additionally, 'Personalized Spatial Audio' can be activated to render audio in a three-dimensional space, creating the impression that sounds originate from various directions around the listener, even as their head moves.

Hearing Assistance Capabilities

AirPods also offer a 'Hearing Assistance' feature, enabling them to function as a hearing aid for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. This capability allows the AirPods to amplify voices and other sounds in the user's surroundings. To activate this feature, users must either upload results from a professional hearing test or complete Apple's integrated hearing test. The setup process involves providing personal details, such as current allergies or sinus infections, and requires finding a quiet environment to ensure the accuracy of the test results.