AirPods Pro 2

Apple finally gave AirPods something we know you all wanted for years: a built-in equalizer that lets you change how your music sounds.

And unlike the EQ setting buried in Apple Music, this one is tied to your AirPods, not a specific application. That means your custom sound profile isn’t limited to music played through that singular app.

But to be clear: The new Custom EQ feature in iOS 27 isn’t the most sophisticated equalizer you’ll find for a set of headphones. It gives you just three controls — Low, Mid and High. But that’s enough to make a noticeable difference if you think your AirPods sound too bass-heavy, lack vocal clarity or need a little more treble.

Here’s how to set it up … and why you might want to.

Apple just released new firmware for its latest AirPods models, bringing several new capabilities to the company’s wireless earbuds and headphones. Firmware version 9A348 is available for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2.

The update arrived Monday alongside iOS 27, enabling support for one of the most-requested AirPods features: a built-in equalizer that lets users customize the sound produced by their headphones.

Last year, Apple finally explained exactly how to update your AirPods firmware. The process can happen automatically, in the background, but there is a way to speed things up. It’s a good idea to manually check that you’re running the latest version, which brings bug fixes and sometimes great new features.

Read on for more details, and to find all current AirPods firmware versions along with instructions for getting the AirPods update as quickly as possible.

When Apple unveiled AirPods Max 2 on Monday, the company was unable to specify a release date, simply telling customers its new high-end headphones will launch “early next month.” It’s very unusual for Apple to not reveal when its own product will reach customers. But it turns out the headphones are waiting for Apple software that’s still in development.

Here’s what’s going on.

Over the years, Apple has launched hundreds of products — some iconic, others forgettable. I’ve used a fair share of them, with some earning a permanent spot on my “all-time favorites” Apple devices list.

Each of these devices represented Apple at its best, with a sleek design, impressive performance and an experience that few other brands can match. So, here’s my list of Apple devices that have truly stood the test of time.

I put AirPods’ new Live Translation feature to the test and came away impressed with the results. 

I tested the feature with the help of Niléane, a native French speaker and fellow tech blogger. While we hit a few stumbling blocks in our conversation, we were able to have a perfectly good chat for a solid 10 minutes.

I cut it down to a seven-minute video, where you can see it for yourself. Keep reading for my full thoughts and analysis of the fantastic new feature. 

AirPods have a new trick that lets them work as a camera remote. Simply pressing the earbuds’ stem can control your iPhone’s Camera app and snap a picture. This proves helpful when you want to set your iPhone to take a large group photo with you in it.

However, the feature is off by default. You need to activate it. Here’s what to do.

You don’t have to buy the just-announced AirPods Pro 3 just to get Apple’s new Live Translation feature. The AI-powered communication option is coming to older models of wireless earbuds, too.

An iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence is required as well.

Apple looks poised to unveil its highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3 at its Awe Dropping event on September 9, marking the first major update to the premium noise-canceling earbuds since 2022. Multiple sources suggest the third-generation model will bring significant hardware upgrades alongside Apple’s continued software feature rollouts. Check out all the AirPods Pro 3 rumors below.

Apple now makes it easy to install prerelease AirPods firmware on your wireless earbuds. The company once reserved this option for only a select few developers. But now, anyone willing to put potentially buggy software on their AirPods can try upcoming features early.

The temptation is understandable. The upcoming iOS 26 brings a range of enhancements to Apple earbuds, but you need unreleased AirPods firmware to take advantage of them. Install the beta AirPods software, and you can try out improved audio recording, auto-pause when sleeping, and many other new features.

Feeling brave? Let’s go.

P.S. Not looking for the prerelease version? We also have a guide on how to install the regular non-beta AirPods software.

As a Cult of Mac review writer and a proud owner of Apple’s top-notch AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, I often compare other wireless noise-canceling earbuds to them. AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat, but some third-party alternatives that cost less come pretty close — like Soundcore Liberty 5. Right now you can get the Anker subsidiary’s flagship buds on sale for $129 $104, markedly less than this week’s Amazon discount on AirPods Pro 2, $249 $169.

iOS 26 will not just make your iPhone better. It will also add several new features to AirPods, improving the already excellent experience of using Apple’s super-popular earbuds.

The changes will further deepen the AirPods integration with the iPhone. Find out all the ways iOS 26 will improve your AirPods experience.

Apple’s yearly Back to School sale is now live in the United States, India and other countries. As part of the deal, eligible students and teachers can get Macs and iPads on education pricing, along with an accessory worth up to $179.

Unlike the last few years, Apple will not bundle a gift card with your purchase. Instead, it will bundle a free accessory, ranging from the Magic Keyboard to AirPods 4 with ANC.

Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.

While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the  WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.

iOS 26 developer beta hints at Apple launching the AirPods Pro 3 sooner rather than later. The first beta of the OS contains references to the upcoming wireless earbuds.

Conflicting reports surround the AirPods Pro 3 launch. Some point to a fall 2025 release, while others suggest the earbuds might not arrive until 2026.

iOS 19/iOS 26 will reportedly enhance the AirPods experience by introducing new head gestures. The earbuds will also become smart enough to stop audio playback when you fall asleep while wearing them. Plus, you may finally be able to use the AirPods as a remote shutter for the camera.

With every new major iOS release, Apple added new features to AirPods as well. It appears the company may continue that trend this year as well.

We can’t say it often enough: AirPods Pro 2 are the best earbuds for any Apple fan. If you want to pick up a pair of these noise-canceling earbuds on the cheap, jump on this refurbished AirPods Pro 2 deal, which knocks the $249 list price down to just $159.99.

That’s $30 cheaper than the current best deal on new AirPods Pro 2.

In a face-off like wireless earbuds vs. wired earbuds and headphones, most self-described audiophiles will insist wired wins. But Bluetooth headphones and earbuds have come a long way in recent years in terms of solid audio quality and reliable connectivity. That’s a big part of the reason why today’s featured MacBook Pro setup user chooses AirPods Pro 2 almost all of the time, despite owning excellent wired headphones and in-ear monitors. It really just comes down to convenience.

AirPods Pro 2 are — hands down — the best earbuds for iPhone users. They offer high-quality audio while also seamlessly switching between Apple devices as needed. And AirPods sales from multiple retailers mean you can pick up a pair at a sweet 32% off.

And there are more sweet discounts, including AirPods 4 at up to 22% off, and AirPods Max at up to 13% off.

Noise on Super Bowl Sunday (February 9 this year) increases throughout the United States, almost everywhere, according to new Apple Hearing Study research findings this week from Apple and the University of Michigan.

The findings highlight the importance of being mindful about noise exposure during major sporting events, even when watching from home. Even those not at the big game get exposed to higher levels of noise, often for several hours, and all the more so at boisterous public viewings in bars or at parties. And that could factor into hearing loss for some, researchers indicated.

AirPods Pro 3 keep generating buzz as we approach the launch of Apple’s next-generation premium wireless earbuds. Here’s what to expect from AirPods Pro 3, which probably will arrive in early 2025.

While the current AirPods Pro 2 model dominates the market two years after launch, rumors say its successor will bring substantial improvements and new features. Unfortunately, you probably shouldn’t expect changes to the recently updated AirPods 4 and AirPods Max in 2025. We could see updated earbuds or headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats, though.

There’s an important new reason you might put AirPods Pro 2 on your gift list this year. If you know someone who resists getting the hearing assistance they need, Apple’s wireless earbuds can change their life.

It’s not hype — AirPods Pro 2 really can help people with mild to moderate hearing loss thanks to a software update released this autumn.

You’d better get the tissues ready before watching Apple’s new seasonal holiday ad, appropriately titled “Heartstrings.”

I know I got a little misty.

The ad depicts a moving father-and-daughter moment on Christmas morning to showcase the new hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2.

Watch the ad below.

I’ve focused on my own workstation just a few times in several years of handling Cult of Mac setups coverage (this is setups article number 569 for me, by the way). Well, now it’s that time again, thanks to two major new upgrades in my personal rig. First, I replaced my trusty silver M1 Pro MacBook Pro with a brawny M4 Pro model in space black. And second, I installed a set of bookshelf speakers right in the workstation for the first time.

Apple developed its groundbreaking Hearing Health experience for AirPods Pro 2 in its state-of-the-art Audio Lab in Cupertino. The innovative features, available in a free software update, turn AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids and offer advanced tools for testing and protecting the hearing of people who wear the earbuds.

As one Apple engineer put it, with the new Hearing Health features, AirPods Pro 2 become “truly the interface to the ear.”

A new AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid firmware update sets the soundstage for the new Apple Hearing Health features expected with Monday’s public release of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1. Apple began rolling out the update Thursday. The new features are Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection.

Intended for both Lightning and USB-C versions of the earbuds, firmware version 7B19 updates from the previous version 7A305.