All New Features Coming to AirPods with iOS 27

Apple has released a new software update for several AirPods models, including the AirPods Pro 3, providing support for the latest iOS 27 features. The new AirPods software supports the newest features of the iOS 27 update.

The current AirPods software version is 9A348. This update can be installed on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max 2, and AirPods 4 models, though some features are exclusive to AirPods Pro 3. Of course, the AirPods 5, which will go on sale this week, also supports the new software.

All New Features Coming to AirPods with iOS 27 🎧

• Custom EQ (Equalizer)
• Siri Artificial Intelligence (Siri AI) support with compatible iPhone models
• Precision Finding via Apple Watch
• GymKit support
• Redesigned AirPods settings

Custom EQ was a feature some AirPods users thought Apple would never offer. However, it has arrived with iOS 27. With Custom EQ, Apple now allows you to define your own sound profile for AirPods. You can change the EQ setting by following the path: AirPods settings - Sound & Haptics - Equalizer - Custom. From here, you can adjust the sound profile for low, mid, and high frequencies.

The equalizer setting can be configured on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max 2, and AirPods 4 models.

Apple GymKit was previously only available with Apple Watch. This feature allows you to pair with compatible cardio equipment such as treadmills, elliptical bikes, stationary bikes, and more, and synchronize workout data. With iOS 27, GymKit is being expanded to support iPhones using the AirPods Pro 3's heart rate sensor.

For most AirPods users, the biggest innovation in iOS 27 will be Siri AI. Siri AI is available on iOS 27-compatible iPhones. Apple has extended full support for this AI assistant to include AirPods. Thanks to the new Siri, AirPods essentially transform into AI-powered wearables. This system will allow users to accomplish much more than they could with the existing Siri.

When AirTag 2 was introduced earlier this year, Apple brought Precision Finding support to Apple Watch for the first time. However, until now, this feature was limited to AirTag 2. With iOS 27 and watchOS 27, Apple has expanded the Precision Finding feature on the Watch to include AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods Pro 3 charging case houses the latest second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, allowing you to find the case directly from your wrist with higher accuracy and turn-by-turn directions.

With each new AirPods feature introduced, the AirPods settings screen in the Settings app became increasingly complex and cluttered. However, with iOS 27, Apple offers a welcome improvement: All AirPods settings have been redesigned and reorganized. You will now find AirPods settings organized under more categories and sub-menus, supported by colorful icons. This change will make finding the right setting much easier and more intuitive than before.

How to Update AirPods Software 🔄

To update AirPods software, they must be connected to an Apple device, and the charging case must be connected to a power adapter. Since there is no direct software update option like on other Apple devices, installing the new firmware version can take a long time. The AirPods update steps shared by Apple are as follows:

1. Ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Bluetooth.
3. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
4. Connect your charging case to a power source.
5. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Keep the charging case lid closed and your AirPods within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
7. To reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the charging case lid.
8. Check the firmware version again.