
According to reports, Apple is about to release a new feature that might revolutionise the experience for owners of AirPods Pro. The "hearing aid mode" that is expected to launch with the iOS 18 update is the main topic of discussion. The AirPods Pro won't undergo any physical modifications in 2024, but the user experience may be greatly improved by this software update.
Mark Gurman's most recent newsletter from Bloomberg provides information on this noteworthy advancement. He suggests that this year, Apple will put more of an emphasis on the AirPods Pro's software than their hardware, with special attention paid to this new hearing aid mode.
What does this actually mean for people who have AirPods Pro, then? Well, consider functions like iOS 12's Live Listen, which debuted back in 2018. It effectively turns your iPhone into a microphone, transmitting in real time anything it hears to your AirPods. This can be quite helpful when you need to concentrate on someone speaking or in noisy situations.
That's not all, though. Apple released Conversation Boost for AirPods Pro in 2021; this feature enhances the sound of a person speaking in front of you. This is quite helpful in circumstances where you might find it difficult to hear discussions clearly.
The intriguing thing is that tests have proven these AirPods Pro features to be on par with or even superior to certain more costly hearing aids. Accessibility to such technology is also increasing because of the FDA's recent regulations, which permit the over-the-counter sale of some hearing aids without the need for an audiologist's fitting or medical examination.
Although the details of this new hearing aid mode are still being kept under wraps, Gurman's earlier reports indicate that Apple is dedicated to improving the AirPods lineup's features for better hearing health. He made a hint last year that future AirPods models would have hearing test capability.
Basically, Apple is still committed to using technology to increase inclusivity and accessibility. Users of the AirPods Pro may soon enjoy even more sophisticated features that meet their hearing demands with the release of the iOS 18 upgrade. This is a further advancement in Apple's objective to reimagine the ways in which technology can enhance our daily existence.