Apple has quietly revolutionized personal audio technology once again. Starting today, AirPods Pro 2 users in the UK can activate a groundbreaking hearing aid feature, turning the popular earbuds into FDA-cleared medical devices designed to assist those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The update, rolled out via a firmware patch, leverages the earbuds’ advanced H2 chip and enhanced sensors to deliver real-time sound amplification and background noise reduction.
How It Works
The new functionality, accessible through the Settings app on compatible iOS devices, allows users to customize audio profiles tailored to their hearing needs. By analyzing individual hearing tests (conducted via the iPhone’s built-in audiogram tool or uploaded from a professional), the AirPods Pro 2 adjust frequencies dynamically, offering clarity in conversations and dampening overwhelming ambient noise. Apple’s adaptive transparency mode also plays a key role, ensuring critical sounds like sirens or alarms remain audible.
“This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about accessibility,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement. “We’re bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and essential health solutions.”
A Game-Changer for Affordability
Traditional hearing aids in the UK can cost upwards of £2,500, posing a significant barrier for many. At £249, the AirPods Pro 2 now offer a fraction of that price while doubling as premium earbuds. The move aligns with Apple’s broader health-tech ambitions, following recent additions like ECG monitoring on the Apple Watch.
Dr. Emily Shaw, an audiologist at London Hearing Specialists, praised the innovation: “While not a replacement for severe hearing loss, this democratizes access for millions. The ability to tweak settings on-the-go via your phone is revolutionary.”
Regulatory Hurdles and Future Expansion
The feature’s UK launch follows approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Apple is reportedly in talks with regulators in the EU and U.S. to expand availability. Meanwhile, competitors like Sony and Bose are rumored to be accelerating similar projects.
Interestingly, this update arrives just weeks after Apple’s subsidiary, Beats by Dre, teased the Powerbeats Pro 2, hinting at a renewed focus on health-centric wearables.
Availability and Pricing
Existing AirPods Pro 2 owners can enable the feature immediately through iOS 18.3. New users can purchase the earbuds via Amazon or Apple Stores, with a limited-time discount bringing the price to £229.
As tech giants increasingly target the healthcare sector, Apple’s latest move proves that the future of hearing assistance might already be in our ears.
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