AirPods Pro 2 sound loose and mushy after iOS 27 update

Hi!

I recently updated my iPhone 13 to iOS 27 and noticed a significant change in the sound profile of my AirPods Pro 2.

Before the update, the bass was punchy, tight, and well-controlled. Now, it sounds very loose and bloated, and the overall audio has become quite "mushy", making the listening experience quite unpleasant. I tried using the new three-band custom EQ feature to fix this, but the adjustments feel too rough to dial back the original, balanced AirPods sound signature.

I also found the update affecting the sound of the wired EarBuds, which too sound quite mushy and, in a weird way, a bit quieter now.

Has anyone else experienced this issue after updating to iOS 27?

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 3:57 AM

1 reply

Ingo2711

Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 19, 2026 4:18 AM in response to luu199

I just checked with my AirPodsPro2, and yes, I had to modify the standard setting for the Equaliser to get a similar sound like in iOS 26. I have tried that with the similar result on my iPad, iPadOS 27.

Are you using Spatial Stereo? I have the feeling, it also effects normal Stereo mode as well.

We should use the Feedback link to let Apple Techs know directly about this issue:

Feedback - AirPods - Apple