Apple May Introduce ‘Hearing Aid Mode’ In Upcoming New-Gen AirPods Pro With iOS 18 Update; Details

The next update is rumoured to provide a new ‘hearing aid mode’ function for AirPods Pro consumers to improve their user experience.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company will be focusing more on the software update instead of making the physical changes and the feature that could be in the limelight will be the hearing aid mode.

Apple has already offered a few functionalities with its AirPods. Apple introduced the Live Listen to function in 2018 with the iOS 12 update, allowing users to turn their iPhone into a directional microphone and relay collected sounds to AirPods in real-time.

Not only that, but Apple added a Conversation Boost feature to the AirPods Pro in 2021, which amplifies the microphone and allows the user to hear better when someone is speaking to them. These functionalities are already comparable to more expensive dedicated devices.

The new FDA guidelines also specify that hearing aids can be sold over the counter without a medical evaluation or expert fitting, implying that access to this technology is improving. It should be noted that the brand has not confirmed any of these upgrades, and we will have to wait for Apple’s formal event to learn more about the new smartphone.

However, earlier sources suggest that Apple has been focused on health-related features and expresses optimism that such a feature will eventually be introduced. Other facts about iOS 18 and AirPods Pro are yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Apple has introduced the new iOS 17.4 update which has allowed third-party marketplaces on iOS along with some updates to the Stolen Device feature in the EU. The company has also introduced new emojis and more enhancements.