San Francisco, CA – Apple’s AirPods Pro are set to receive a new “hearing aid mode” alongside the release of iOS 18, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This new feature will bring significant improvements to the hearing health capabilities of the popular wireless earbuds.
While there are no hardware changes expected for the AirPods Pro in 2024, this software update is anticipated to have a major impact. Currently, AirPods offer features like Live Listen, which allows users to stream audio from their iPhone directly to their earbuds in real-time. Additionally, the Conversation Boost feature amplifies speech to improve communication in noisy environments.
The addition of a hearing aid mode to the AirPods Pro aligns with a growing trend towards more accessible and affordable hearing solutions. In 2022, the FDA introduced new guidelines allowing over-the-counter hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers without the need for a medical exam or fitting by an audiologist.
Details about the specific functionalities of the new hearing aid mode in iOS 18 are still scarce, but this development follows previous reports from Gurman about Apple’s focus on improving hearing health through AirPods. Future iterations of AirPods may also include a hearing test feature to further tailor the user experience to individual needs.
The advancements in hearing health technology by Apple reflect a broader industry shift towards more inclusive and user-friendly solutions. With the upcoming release of iOS 18, AirPods Pro users can look forward to experiencing enhanced features that prioritize accessibility and wellbeing.
As the tech giant continues to prioritize innovation in the realm of health and wellness, these updates to the AirPods Pro underscore Apple’s commitment to improving the lives of its users through cutting-edge technology. Stay tuned for more updates as iOS 18 and the new hearing aid mode roll out to AirPods Pro users in the near future.