How to Customize Your AirPods EQ Settings in iOS 27 Public Beta

Apple recently unveiled the first public betas for iOS 27 and other major software releases for 2026. While these betas are still a work in progress and may contain some bugs and glitches, the public beta cycle is designed to encourage more users to participate.

Installing a public beta is a fairly straightforward process. New beta testers can visit Apple’s Beta Software Program website to enroll their Apple Account. If you have signed up for public betas in the past, you are already covered.

Once enrolled, accessing the public beta involves changing the Beta Updates setting on the standard software update screen (located at Settings > General > Software Update). Select “iOS 27 Public Beta” for your iPhone, and the standard Software Update process will download the appropriate public beta instead of waiting for the final release.

After installation, you can explore the new features in iOS 27, except for one crucial aspect.

Installing Beta Firmware for AirPods

iOS 27 introduces several new features for modern AirPods, but you also need to ensure that your AirPods are running the latest beta firmware to access these features.

Unlike installing iOS 27 on your iPhone, updating the firmware for your AirPods requires a separate process. Your iPhone must fetch the beta firmware for your AirPods, which can be done by toggling a switch that controls beta updates for your AirPods. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the iOS 27 Public Beta.
2. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone by opening their case or taking your AirPods Max out of the case.
3. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
4. Locate your AirPods in the settings and tap on them.
5. Scroll down and tap on AirPods Beta Updates (this option will only appear if you’re enrolled in the beta programs).
6. Turn on AirPods Beta Updates.
7. Wait for the update to install.

These updates will install automatically when ready, and you can check the current firmware version in the AirPods settings. Make sure your AirPods are within range of your iPhone, connected to Wi-Fi, and charging for the update to occur.

New Features for AirPods in iOS 27

The new AirPods features in iOS 27 include a redesigned configuration screen on the iPhone and a custom equalizer with three bands. These features are available for AirPods models with the H2 chip, such as AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. Additionally, AirPods Pro 2 are also compatible with these features due to the H2 chip, despite not being listed by Apple.