Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are receiving a significant boost in functionality, combining new iOS 18 features with FDA approval for use as hearing aids. This dual upgrade positions the popular earbuds as both a cutting-edge audio accessory and a potential medical device.
FDA Approval as Hearing Aids
In a groundbreaking development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the AirPods Pro 2 to function as clinical-grade hearing aids. This makes them the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device, following changes in FDA regulations in 2022 that allowed for easier consumer access to hearing assistance technology.
Key points about the hearing aid functionality:
- Users can set up the hearing aid feature through iOS's new Hearing Test
- The feature adjusts and synchronizes audio levels across Apple devices
- A clinical study of 118 subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss showed comparable benefits to traditional hearing aids
- At $249, AirPods Pro 2 offer a potentially more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, which can cost up to $1,995 per pair
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| Apple's AirPods Pro 2 offer sleek design and new functionality as clinical-grade hearing aids |
New iOS 18 Features
Alongside the FDA approval, the release of iOS 18 brings several new capabilities to AirPods Pro 2:
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Voice Isolation: Active noise cancellation for your voice during calls, reducing background noise.
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Improved Adaptive Audio Control: A new slider allows users to adjust the level of environmental sound let through.
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Gesture-Based Siri Interactions: Users can now accept or decline calls by nodding or shaking their head.
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Spatial Audio in Gaming: Developers can now implement 3D sound and head tracking in games.
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Lower Latency: Reduced audio delay, particularly beneficial for gaming.
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Enhanced Voice Quality in Games: Improved voice transmission quality up to 16-bit, 48kHz.
These updates apply to both Lightning and USB-C versions of the AirPods Pro 2.
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| User experience is enhanced with new iOS 18 features on the AirPods Pro 2 |
Implications and Market Position
The combination of FDA approval as a hearing aid and the new iOS 18 features significantly enhances the value proposition of AirPods Pro 2. This positions them not just as premium earbuds, but as multifunctional devices that bridge the gap between consumer electronics and medical devices.
For users with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 now offer a stylish, multipurpose alternative to traditional hearing aids at a potentially lower cost. However, Apple notes that the hearing aid feature may not be suitable for those with severe hearing loss.
As the line between consumer tech and health devices continues to blur, Apple's move could set a new standard in the industry, potentially influencing how we think about personal audio devices and accessibility technology in the future.