Apple is quietly preparing the arrival of a new hearing assistance feature for the AirPods Pro 2. Although this option is not yet activated in the latest beta version of iOS 18.1, it is present in the code and could be activated in a future version. Enough to transform Apple’s headphones into a sort of hearing aid.
Apple goes further in health
Here’s what you need to know about the new hearing aid feature in the AirPods Pro 2, one of several health updates announced for Apple’s earbuds.
When it launches, users will be prompted to take a hearing test or upload an audiogram from an ENT. Apple says the results will enable a hearing aid feature for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. But, perhaps most importantly, the feature can also be used by everyone to adjust the sound and improve the clarity of music, videos, and calls.
The test lasts about five minutes and requires the user to tap the screen every time they hear a sound. Again, the AirPods Pro 2 are recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss, those with more severe hearing loss probably won’t be able to use this option. In any case, it won’t be of much use to them.
After the test, the user will be able to activate the Hearing Aid option if necessary. This feature adjusts voices and surrounding sounds based on frequencies that the user does not perceive. And, as you will have understood, it requires iOS 18.1.
Launch date
Apple has already received FDA clearance for the AirPods Pro 2 to work as a hearing aid for the general public, and this feature could roll out at any time. Apple has announced that the feature will be available this fall, so it’s likely to be introduced in the final version of iOS 18.1. If not, it will be with iOS 18.2.
