Apple’s firmware 9A348 introduces Custom EQ for AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2, while older models retain audio adjustments through Headphone Accommodations. Because these two options fulfill different roles and rely on distinct compatibility rules, understanding which tool your specific AirPods support prevents you from wasting time looking for unavailable controls.
Hardware Compatibility for Firmware 9A348 Custom EQ
As detailed in Apple’s firmware release notes, version 9A348 introduces a three-band equalizer designed for modifying low, mid, and high audio frequencies. This update supports AirPods 4 and later, including AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, along with AirPods Pro 2 and later (including AirPods Pro 3), and second-generation AirPods Max 2. Custom EQ works with supported hardware connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. For instance, an individual who owns an AirPods 3 unit can utilize Headphone Accommodations, yet will not locate the new Custom EQ settings. The same applies to the original AirPods Pro, while the original AirPods support neither feature.
Headphone Accommodations and Hearing-Focused Controls
AirPods 2 and later, every generation of AirPods Pro, AirPods Max variants, wired EarPods, and select Beats headphones are all compatible with Headphone Accommodations. Apple introduced Headphone Accommodations with iOS 14. The feature can amplify softer sounds, adjust tonal balance, and help users hear speech more clearly. The utility additionally features Custom Audio Setup, prompting listeners to evaluate audio snippets and suggesting configurations grounded in their feedback. In contrast to the three sliders found in Custom EQ, Headphone Accommodations delivers hearing-tailored modifications across media playback, phone calls, and supported listening modes. Some AirPods Pro features go further. TechRepublic’s guide on enhancing conversation volume outlines how Apple’s Conversation Boost utility concentrates specifically on dialogue coming from a speaker directly in front of the user.
Using Settings on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Apple places Custom EQ in the AirPods settings menu rather than the main Accessibility controls. To configure this feature using an iPhone or iPad, link your compatible AirPods while wearing them, navigate to Settings, tap the designation of your AirPods, choose Audio & Routing followed by Equalizer, select Custom, and fine-tune the Low, Mid, and High sliders according to your tastes. On a Mac, open System Settings, select your AirPods, then go to Audio & Routing > Equalizer > Custom. Apple confirms that Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods themselves
so your adjustments carry over when you connect the headphones to another paired device. To disable your custom settings, select Recommended instead of Custom. Headphone Accommodations follows a different setup process. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > Audio & & Visual > Headphone Accommodations. You can then enable the feature, select where the adjustments apply, and customize the sound. Mac compatibility is more restrictive. Because Apple lists Headphone Accommodations support exclusively for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 running macOS Sequoia or newer, people using AirPods Max 2 on a Mac can utilize Custom EQ but must not expect identical Headphone Accommodations menus to be present. Hearing Assistance can also override existing Headphone Accommodations settings on supported AirPods Pro models, so users should check whether that feature is active before assuming their audio preferences have been reset.
Troubleshooting Missing EQ Options
If Custom EQ doesn’t appear, start with the AirPods model rather than resetting every audio setting. First, confirm that your headphones are among the supported generations, as AirPods 3, the original AirPods Pro, and first-generation AirPods Max do not qualify for Custom EQ. Next, check the installed firmware by connecting your AirPods on an iPhone or iPad, opening Settings, selecting their name, and finding the firmware version in the device information. AirPods firmware updates install automatically under Apple’s supported charging and connectivity conditions, and there is no standard manual installation button. Should your earbuds be fully updated and verified as compatible while the menu remains absent, try unpairing and re-linking them before verifying if any software updates await your operating system. TechRepublic’s guide to troubleshooting AirPods problems covers additional connection and audio checks. Operating system requirements for Custom EQ are not explicitly defined by Apple outside of the firmware prerequisite, meaning you should not take for granted that older system software will support the functionality. Finally, consider whether Headphone Accommodations better matches the adjustment you need, as Custom EQ is intended for personal sound preferences, while Headphone Accommodations offers more targeted hearing adjustments.
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