Apple is transforming its AirPods Pro 2 into more than just premium earbuds with a significant firmware update that introduces groundbreaking hearing health capabilities.
What's New in the Update
The latest firmware update (build 7B19) brings three major health-focused features to the AirPods Pro 2:
- Scientific Hearing Test
- Professional-grade hearing assessment
- Available for users 18 and older
- Personalizes audio output based on test results
- FDA-Approved Hearing Aid Functionality
- First-ever over-the-counter hearing aid feature in AirPods
- Helps users with hearing loss better perceive ambient sounds
- Currently exclusive to US market
- Adaptive Hearing Protection
- Environmental sound monitoring
- Automatic volume adjustment for harmful noise levels
- Initial availability limited to US and Canada
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| Apple's AirPods Pro 2 now include advanced health capabilities through a significant firmware update, turning them into more than just premium earbuds |
Important Release Details
The firmware deployment is currently underway, but users will need to wait until Monday, October 28 for iOS 18.1's release to access these features. The update coincides with Apple's broader AI initiative, introducing Apple Intelligence and various generative AI tools.
How to Check Your Firmware
To verify your AirPods Pro 2's firmware version:
- Access Settings
- Navigate to AirPods Pro settings
- Scroll to find Version information
Note: Firmware updates occur automatically when AirPods are charging and connected to an iOS device or Mac.
Regional Availability
While the firmware update is rolling out globally, the hearing health features will initially be restricted to North American markets, with the hearing aid functionality specifically limited to US users.
This strategic enhancement of the AirPods Pro 2 demonstrates Apple's commitment to health technology integration, effectively extending the device's utility beyond traditional audio capabilities into the healthcare domain.