iOS 27 Adds Custom Sound and Gym Features to AirPods

Apple has introduced a suite of new capabilities for its wireless earbuds with the release of iOS 27, marking a significant expansion of features for the AirPods Pro 3. While previous updates focused on minor tweaks, this version brings long-requested audio customization and new ways to interact with fitness equipment. According to reports from 9to5Mac, the update aims to make the earbuds more versatile for daily use, though some of the most impactful changes remain exclusive to the newer hardware.

The most notable addition is Custom EQ, a feature that allows users to manually adjust low, mid, and high frequency sounds. Until now, Apple limited users to preset profiles, but this update grants direct control over the sound signature. This change is available across a wide range of devices, including the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max 2, and the standard AirPods 4 and 5, ensuring that even those without the latest model can benefit from more personalized audio.

Gym Connectivity Expands to Earbuds

For fitness enthusiasts, iOS 27 extends the GymKit functionality to work with iPhone and AirPods Pro 3. Previously, this technology was restricted to Apple Watch, but now users can pair their earbuds directly with compatible cardio machines like treadmills and ellipticals. The system uses the heart rate sensor in the AirPods Pro 3 to send biometric data to the equipment, while the machine sends back metrics such as distance, pace, and incline to the iPhone.

This integration creates a more complete workout picture by combining data that neither device could capture alone. For example, while the earbuds track heart rate, the treadmill provides precise belt distance and incline adjustments. The data is stored privately on the iPhone, ensuring that personal health information is removed from the shared gym equipment after the session ends.

Smarter Assistant and Improved Navigation

The update also brings a more capable version of Siri to AirPods, allowing for conversational interactions and access to personal context. Users can ask open-ended questions or search for specific items in their photo library or email inbox without unlocking their phone. However, this upgrade requires compatible iPhone hardware and may not be available in all regions immediately, creating a disparity in user experience based on device age and location.

Additionally, Apple has expanded Precision Finding to include the AirPods Pro 3 case. By utilizing the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, users can locate their lost earbuds with greater accuracy using their Apple Watch. This feature provides step-by-step guidance from the wrist, reducing the frustration of searching for small, easily misplaced items.

Settings Interface Receives Major Overhaul

As features accumulate, the settings menu for AirPods has historically become cluttered and difficult to navigate. iOS 7 addresses this by redesigning the interface with clearer categories and colorful icons. This reorganization makes it significantly easier to find specific options like the new Custom EQ settings. While the visual changes are cosmetic, they improve usability for a feature set that is becoming increasingly complex.

Despite these improvements, the trade-off is that many of the most exciting features, such as the expanded GymKit support and advanced Precision Finding, are locked behind the latest hardware. Users with older models will receive the new Siri capabilities and Custom EQ, but they will miss out on the deeper integration with fitness equipment and precise location tracking that defines the new AirPods Pro 3 experience.