Overview
- Apple announced the new custom equalizer for AirPods during its WWDC keynote on Monday, introducing a simple three‑band interface that adjusts lows, mids and highs.
- The EQ lives in the overhauled AirPods settings (Audio & Routing → Equalizer → Custom) so changes stick across apps and devices when AirPods are connected.
- Developer testing has already started and Apple released AirPods beta firmware (build 9A5292e) for developers while a public beta is due next month and a wide fall release is planned.
- Published reports and Apple materials indicate the feature targets H2‑chip models such as AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, though beta firmware availability for some older models has created compatibility uncertainty.
- The native EQ complements existing AirPods features like Adaptive Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio and gives users direct, persistent sound control that rivals have long offered through more granular apps.