Custom EQ comes to AirPods at last
Among the quieter announcements at WWDC 2026, one stands out for everyday listeners: AirPods will finally support user-configurable EQ profiles. TechRadar and Engadget both flagged the feature during their live keynote coverage.
Until now, AirPods audio output was locked to Apple's factory-tuned profile, with Adaptive EQ on AirPods Pro being the only exception — and not user-adjustable. With iOS 27, users will be able to set a custom sound profile directly in Settings, shaping frequencies to their preference for music, podcasts, or calls.
Why it matters
Android competitors have offered granular per-model EQ on premium earbuds for years. Apple's move closes a gap that audiophile-minded users have complained about since the original AirPods launched in 2016. The key open question is whether Apple will offer full-band control or just a handful of presets — technical specifics were not disclosed at the keynote.