This year, the new features for the AirPods were disappointing. With software update 27, Apple focused mainly on stability, performance and Apple Intelligence, and invested less in new ‘standard’ options. Still, the AirPods meet users with two new features: a customizable equalizer and updated settings.
With these new options you can finally adjust the sound of your AirPods to your personal preferences, and you will find all functions clearly arranged in clear categories.
Renewed AirPods settings page
Redesigned the entire AirPods settings page in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Where you previously saw a long list of options, Apple now opts for a clearly divided screen with multiple categories and symbols.
You still open the screen in the same way: as soon as your AirPods are connected, a special AirPods block will appear at the top of Settings that takes you to the correct menu. Within that menu, the layout is now clearer, with less scrolling and more focus on the functions you use most often.
AirPods settings in detail
- Listening mode and volume: Under the battery status and naming you can immediately switch between the different listening modes and adjust the volume.
- Audio and routing : Here you set listening modes such as noise cancellation, transparency and adaptive audio, plus how audio is routed between your Apple devices. The equalizer is also accessible from this section.
- Hearing health : This section provides insight into your listening behavior and sound levels, and links to the hearing functions that Apple offers, especially with AirPods Pro. In certain regions, AirPods Pro can even be used as an accessible aid for mild hearing loss.
- Controls and gestures : All settings for pinches, taps, and other controls are now together, so you can quickly adjust gestures without having to go through a cluttered list.
- Live Translation and Siri integration : Functions such as Live Translate and the link with the new Siri and Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 have been given a clearer place in the AirPods menu.
- Accessibility : Accessibility options and audio profiles for people with hearing problems are grouped together in their own section, similar to how Apple groups accessibility settings elsewhere in iOS.
Furthermore, sections such as Battery, Find My and Privacy are easier to find, as is a new page for AirPods beta updates that allow you to enable beta software for your earphones.
Customizable equalizer for AirPods
Available on AirPods Max 2, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2nd generation or newer
Apple adds an equalizer to the AirPods settings screen in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, something users have been asking for for years. You can now decide how your AirPods sound instead of just using app-specific equalizers. The equalizer works with three frequency ranges:
- Lowfor the bass
- Middlefor the middle area, for example voting
- Highfor the treble and details
In the interface you choose between a recommended mode and your own custom mode. You choose Custom(Adjust), you will get a graph-like view where you can drag the line for bass, mid and treble. Apple shows a waveform during playback, so that you can immediately hear and see what your adjustments are doing.
Apple emphasizes that AirPods are tuned as standard to display music, series, films and conversations as faithfully as possible. The equalizer is intended for users who want a slightly different sound balance, for example more bass or slightly less sharp treble.
Heart rate in GymKit
Starting from iOS 27, Apple will expand GymKit to the iPhone. This allows you to automatically sync your heart rate, measured by your AirPods Pro 3, with compatible gym equipment, such as treadmills and bikes from Technogym and Life Fitness. GymKit was previously only accessible via the Apple Watch.
Availability
The new AirPods updates are available the autumnCan be used in combination with an iPhone, iPad or Mac with software update 27 or newer. The customizable equalizer can only be used in combination with the AirPods Max 2, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2nd generation or newer