Apple’s recent “It’s Glowtime” event offered a mixed reception for those eagerly anticipating new wireless earbuds. Although the company didn’t release the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2, it did announce substantial updates for the AirPods Pro 2, new AirPods 4, and fresh color options for the AirPods Max.
These updates, scheduled for release this fall, prioritize hearing health and prevention, making the AirPods Pro 2 an attractive option for individuals concerned about auditory well-being.
“Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health. “We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and center, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss.”
Hearing Protection Mode
One of the most anticipated features is the new Hearing Protection mode. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, this mode is designed to protect users from dangerously loud sounds. Whether you’re at a concert or in a noisy environment, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically reduce the intensity of loud noises. This proactive approach to hearing safety means that the earbuds will offer a higher level of noise cancellation specifically targeted at harmful sound levels, ensuring your auditory experience remains enjoyable without risking long-term damage.
Personalized Hearing Test
In addition to protection, Apple is introducing a hearing test integrated into the Health app. This clinically validated test is simple to perform, taking about five minutes, and involves identifying a series of tones at various frequencies. The results are presented in a personalized hearing profile, which can be tracked over time. This feature not only helps users monitor their hearing health but also provides valuable data that can be shared with healthcare professionals if needed.
Clinical-grade hearing aid functionality
Perhaps the most groundbreaking update is the inclusion of a clinical-grade hearing aid feature. This mode, once it receives regulatory approval, will turn your AirPods Pro 2 into a sophisticated hearing aid. It will amplify speech and essential environmental sounds, making conversations and situational awareness easier for users with hearing loss. This functionality represents a significant leap, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, which can be prohibitively expensive.
Integration and availability
All these features will be accessible through a free software update to iOS 18, ensuring that AirPods Pro 2 users will get these enhancements without needing new hardware. The update will be available in over 100 countries and regions, with Apple expecting it to receive regulatory approval soon.
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