Apple Releases AirPods Public Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Custom EQ, Adaptive Mode Slider, and GymKit Sync

Apple released AirPods public beta firmware (build 9A5314b) on July 14, one day after the iOS 27 public beta landed. The firmware — identical to the third developer beta from the previous week — unlocks several iOS 27 audio features for public testers.

What's New

• Custom EQ: A new equalizer interface lets you personalize how your AirPods sound across bass, mid, and treble ranges
• Adaptive Mode slider: Fine-tune the balance between noise cancellation and transparency without toggling between discrete modes
• GymKit heart-rate sync: AirPods Pro 3 users can now sync heart-rate data to compatible gym equipment through their iPhone
• Find My on Apple Watch: Track missing AirPods Pro directly from the wrist
• Siri AI compatibility: AirPods work with the new Siri AI features coming in iOS 27

Supported Models

The firmware is available for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. Not all features are available across every model — GymKit syncing, for example, requires the AirPods Pro 3's health sensors.

How to Enroll

Public beta testers running iOS 27 public beta can enroll their AirPods through Settings → Bluetooth → [your AirPods] → Beta Updates. The firmware installs automatically when the AirPods are in their case and connected to the iPhone.

What This Means for Buyers

The custom EQ and Adaptive slider are the standout additions — they address two of the most common AirPods complaints without requiring new hardware. If you're considering AirPods Pro 3 at $199 on Amazon, these upcoming features sweeten an already strong buy. The AirPods 4 at $127 also get the firmware, making them an even better value for non-ANC listeners. Compare all earbuds in our earbuds guide.