Apple's custom tri-band EQ is on AirPods now, as long as your iPhone runs iOS 27 and the earbuds have the latest firmware, according to a Digital Trends hands-on. It works on the AirPods 4 and 5, the Pro 2 and 3, and the Max 2. To find it, go to Settings, your AirPods, Audio & Routing, Equalizer, then Custom.

Your changes also show up when the AirPods connect to an iPad or a Mac. The writer, Nadeem Sarwar, says the EQ isn't as fleshed out as Sony's, but the difference is easy to hear. He adds that the AirPods, especially the Pro and Max, are tuned well enough that you can stick with the Recommended profile if you don't want to fiddle with bands.