Billy Steele for Engadget

Even though WWDC is a primarily software-focused event, many of the updates discussed there have a direct impact on Apple's hardware. The company occasionally discusses upcoming audio features for AirPods at the developer's conference, and thankfully, a new tool was on the agenda for today. When iOS 27 arrives this fall, AirPods will get a new Custom EQ feature. 

AirPods currently feature an Adaptive EQ tool that automatically adjusts the tuning as needed to maintain audio quality. Soon, users will be able to adjust the highs, mids and lows in the AirPods settings menu in order to manually make adjustments. Custom EQ will be available on AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 models, all of which use the company's H2 audio chip. In addition to iOS 27, you'll be able to access the new feature on both iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, and there will be an interactive preview of the changes before you commit. Additionally, Apple will give you the option to easily return to the default tuning after you customize the EQ. 

We expect to hear more about AirPods updates before iOS 27 arrives with the new batch of iPhones in just a few months. 

Update, June 8, 2026, 4:14PM ET: This article has been updated with additional details from Apple.