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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11iOS 27 adds customizable sound controls, workout heart-rate tracking and expanded Siri-related features to supported AirPods—but the exact features depend on your AirPods model, firmware and iPhone. Apple confirms Custom EQ for several generations and workout heart-rate syncing for AirPods Pro 3. Its firmware notes also list hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation for AirPods 5 when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Other changes, including a redesigned settings interface and Name Recognition, are reported by MacRumors rather than confirmed in the Apple materials cited here.
Which AirPods features does iOS 27 add?
Apple’s platform updates began rolling out on September 14, 2026. The key distinction is that not every new feature is available on every AirPods model: Custom EQ spans multiple generations, while heart-rate tracking is specifically identified for AirPods Pro 3. Siri AI and Live Translation have their own AirPods 5 and iPhone requirements.
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Custom EQ for adjusting sound
Apple says AirPods settings in iOS 27 let you adjust the lows, mids and highs to personalize sound. Its firmware notes list AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2 as compatible with Custom EQ. The required firmware is version 9A348. That broad compatibility means an existing supported pair may be enough; Custom EQ alone does not require buying new headphones. Apple’s iOS 27 feature page describes the controls, and Apple’s AirPods firmware release notes specify compatible models and firmware.
Workout heart-rate tracking and GymKit
AirPods Pro 3 can track heart rate during workouts. Apple also describes expanded GymKit functionality that lets users sync heart-rate data through iPhone with compatible cardio equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals and bikes. Apple identifies AirPods Pro 3 for this use case; the feature should not be assumed to work with other AirPods generations. Details appear in Apple’s iOS 27 feature information, its September 14, 2026 announcement and the firmware notes.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.*
Hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation
Apple’s firmware 9A350 notes say AirPods 5 users with iOS 27 and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone get hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation. Siri AI is not described as running independently on the earbuds: the connected compatible iPhone is part of the requirement. MacRumors also reports Siri AI access through AirPods via a compatible iPhone, consistent with that qualification. Apple’s firmware notes list the AirPods 5 requirements.
What other changes have been reported?
MacRumors’ August 18, 2026 guide reports additional changes that are not independently enumerated in the Apple materials cited here. Treat these as details reported by MacRumors, not as features confirmed in the Apple pages above.
Rank #2
- 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.*
A reorganized AirPods settings menu
MacRumors describes a more compact settings interface with controls grouped into Audio & Routing, Hearing Health, Controls & Gestures, Live Translation, Accessibility, Battery, Find My and Privacy. The new grouping is a navigation change rather than a separate audio capability.
Apple Watch Precision Finding for AirPods Pro 3
The guide reports that an Apple Watch can use Precision Finding to locate AirPods Pro 3 when paired with iOS 27 and watchOS 27. This report is specific to AirPods Pro 3 and should not be generalized to other models.
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.*
Name Recognition alerts
MacRumors reports that Name Recognition can alert users who are deaf or hard of hearing when their name is spoken, and says it supports more than 50 languages. That language count is secondary reporting; the Apple sources cited here do not independently confirm it.
These reported interface, finding and accessibility details come from MacRumors’ August 18, 2026 guide.
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Check compatibility, firmware and availability
Before looking for a feature, check the AirPods generation and, when relevant, whether the iPhone meets the Apple Intelligence requirement. Apple says firmware updates are delivered automatically when AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad or Mac connected to Wi-Fi. Version 9A348 is listed for Custom EQ; AirPods 5’s Siri AI and Live Translation notes refer to version 9A350. Apple also cautions that feature availability can vary by language, region and local law.
- Want to adjust sound? Check that your model is among the generations Apple lists for Custom EQ and that its firmware supports the feature.
- Want workout heart-rate syncing? Apple identifies AirPods Pro 3 for heart-rate tracking and GymKit syncing through iPhone.
- Want Siri AI or Live Translation on AirPods 5? Check for iOS 27, AirPods firmware 9A350 and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
- Can’t find a feature? Put the AirPods in their case to charge near a Wi-Fi-connected Apple device with Bluetooth enabled, then allow time for automatic firmware updating. Check language and regional availability as well.
Compatibility and update details are in Apple’s firmware notes; Apple’s availability qualification appears in its iOS 27 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
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