Apple has released a big firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, available for both USB-C and Lightning models. The update brings the firmware version to 7B19, replacing the previous version 7A305 from September. The idea is to prepare the headphones for the arrival of new health-related features.
New update for AirPods Pro 2
This update comes just before the launch of new hearing health features planned with iOS 18.1. These features include a hearing test that mimics an audiologist’s assessment, and a hearing aid feature for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The main features enabled by version 7B19 when paired with iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 or later are:
- Hearing test : Provides scientifically validated hearing test results for users aged 18 or older, straight from home.
- Hearing aid : Provides clinical-grade personalized sound assistance for mild to moderate hearing loss, automatically applied to music, videos, calls and environmental sounds.
- Hearing protection : Monitors noisy environments and reduces exposure to harmful noise, available in the US and Canada at launch.
Apple has received approval to make AirPods Pro 2 work as over-the-counter hearing aids in the United States, improving conversations and ambient sounds for people with hearing problems.
The hearing protection feature constantly monitors the user’s environment to minimize the impact of loud sounds. Initially, this feature will only be available in the United States and Canada. For France and Europe, validation will be required from the European Medicines Agency, the equivalent of the American FDA.
The release of iOS 18.1, which includes these new hearing health features, is scheduled for next Monday.
The update installs automatically the next time your AirPods connect to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To check if you have the latest version, simply look in the settings of your iPhone then in the AirPods section (if they are connected via Bluetooth).
