Apple plans to introduce a new hearing aid for AirPods Pro with the upcoming iOS 18 update. Apple’s iOS 18 is predicted to be one of the biggest software updates for the iPhone till now. As reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is planning to introduce this new feature for AirPods Pro users.
It is also expected that the device will not go through any major hardware updates, but buyers might get additional software to improve the overall experience.
WWDC 2024, which will be held in June, will see the iOS 18 upgrade along with new and unique innovations. Apple also plans to enhance the use of AirPods. Several reports suggest that the device also includes a built-in camera.
Apple had earlier introduced the new AirPods Pro model in September 2023, along with the launch of the iPhone 15 series. However, the only upgrade we saw was concerning the charging feature with a USB C port. On March 4, 2024, Apple announced the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch and the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch.
Notably, the AirPods Pro has many existing features for the hearing health of its users. The live-listen feature on the device converts your phone into a directional microphone. It enables you to keep your phone in any area and transmit everything around it to your AirPods.
Reports claim that since 2022, Apple has hired many engineers from hearing aid companies. Being the tech giant that it already is, Apple is expected to solve the affordability issue that people with hearing problems face.
Interestingly, two years ago, the FDA came up with new guidelines and announced hearing aids that can be bought directly. They do not require a prescription, medical exam, or fitting by an audiologist. Thus, it increases the chance of Apple introducing a hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro.
