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iOS 27 adds adjustable Custom EQ for several AirPods generations, workout heart-rate tracking and GymKit syncing for AirPods Pro 3, and hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation for AirPods 5 when paired with an eligible iPhone. Apple also requires updated AirPods firmware, and some features vary by language, region, or local law. Other changes—including a redesigned settings menu, Apple Watch Precision Finding, and Name Recognition—are reported by MacRumors rather than confirmed in the Apple materials cited here.
Which AirPods features are new in iOS 27?
Apple’s iOS 27 feature page and AirPods firmware notes confirm Custom EQ and AirPods Pro 3 workout features. Apple’s firmware notes also specify Siri AI and Live Translation for AirPods 5 under particular conditions. MacRumors reports additional interface, finding, and accessibility changes; those should be treated as secondary reporting.
Custom EQ: adjust lows, mids, and highs
Custom EQ lets you adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies in AirPods settings. Apple lists AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2 as compatible in its firmware 9A348 release notes. That means this feature is not limited to a newly released model; owners of supported existing AirPods may be able to use it after updating firmware. Apple’s iOS 27 feature page describes the adjustment, while Apple’s firmware notes specify supported generations.
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Workout heart-rate tracking and GymKit: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 can track heart rate during workouts. Apple says users can sync that heart-rate data through an iPhone to compatible GymKit cardio equipment; its firmware notes give treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes as examples. The stated model qualification is AirPods Pro 3, not the broader list of AirPods that supports Custom EQ. Apple announced expanded GymKit functionality in its September 14, 2026 platform-update announcement.
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- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation: AirPods 5
Apple’s firmware 9A350 notes say AirPods 5 users can use hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation with iOS 27 and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. MacRumors likewise reports that Siri AI access through AirPods depends on a connected compatible iPhone; it is not Siri AI running independently on the earbuds. The available evidence here does not establish that these capabilities apply to every AirPods model.
Other changes reported by MacRumors
MacRumors’ August 18, 2026 guide reports a more compact AirPods settings interface, reorganized into groups including Audio & Routing, Hearing Health, Controls & Gestures, Live Translation, Accessibility, Battery, Find My, and Privacy. It also reports Apple Watch Precision Finding for AirPods Pro 3 with iOS 27 and watchOS 27, plus Name Recognition alerts for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. MacRumors says Name Recognition supports more than 50 languages. Apple’s cited pages do not independently enumerate these details, so they remain attributed to MacRumors. Read MacRumors’ guide.
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- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
AirPods feature compatibility at a glance
| Feature | Compatible AirPods | Additional requirement or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Custom EQ | AirPods 4 and later; AirPods Pro 2 and later; AirPods Max 2 | Apple lists firmware 9A348 as adding the feature. |
| Workout heart-rate tracking and GymKit syncing | AirPods Pro 3 | Heart-rate data syncs through iPhone to compatible GymKit cardio equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. |
| Hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation | AirPods 5 | Apple’s firmware 9A350 notes require iOS 27 and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. |
| Apple Watch Precision Finding | AirPods Pro 3, according to MacRumors | MacRumors reports use with iOS 27 and watchOS 27; Apple’s cited pages do not independently confirm this detail. |
| Name Recognition alerts | AirPods compatibility not stated in the cited MacRumors guide | MacRumors reports support for more than 50 languages and describes the feature for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. |
How to check firmware and get the features
Apple says AirPods firmware updates are delivered automatically when the earbuds are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. The relevant Apple release notes identify firmware 9A348 for Custom EQ and 9A350 for AirPods 5’s hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation. Apple does not provide a manual firmware-install command in the cited notes.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Confirm your AirPods model. Check which generation you own against the compatibility list above. Model matters: the workout heart-rate feature is specified for AirPods Pro 3, while Custom EQ covers a wider range.
- Check the iPhone requirement where applicable. For AirPods 5 Siri AI and Live Translation, use iOS 27 and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. The earbuds do not provide the reported Siri AI feature as a standalone device capability.
- Allow firmware to update. Keep AirPods charging and in Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac so Apple’s automatic update process can deliver the available firmware.
- Check availability for your location and language. Apple notes that feature availability can vary by language, region, and local laws. A compatible model and firmware do not guarantee every feature is offered in every location.
Do you need new AirPods for iOS 27?
Not necessarily. Custom EQ reaches multiple existing generations, including AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. A model change is relevant only if you want a model-specific capability that your current AirPods lack: Apple identifies AirPods Pro 3 for workout heart-rate tracking and GymKit syncing, and AirPods 5 for the stated Siri AI and Live Translation support. Before deciding, check your exact generation, the iPhone requirement for Apple Intelligence features, firmware, and local availability.
Quick Recap
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- Automatically on, automatically connected
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- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
