AirPods Pro with iOS 18
In a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it has been revealed that iOS 18 will bring a significant new feature, a “hearing aid mode,” to AirPods Pro. While no physical changes to the AirPods Pro hardware are expected in 2024, this new mode aims to enhance the device’s capabilities in the field of hearing health.
Live Listen and Conversation Boost
AirPods already offer the Live Listen feature, introduced in iOS 12, that allows users to utilize their iPhone as a real-time directional microphone, streaming audio captured by the iPhone to the AirPods. Live Listen has been hailed for its usefulness and proven to be a valuable tool for many individuals. In addition, last year Apple introduced Conversation Boost for AirPods Pro, which improves microphone pickup from the front to aid in better comprehension of spoken communication. Research conducted in 2022 uncovered that AirPods Pro’s existing features already rival the performance of more expensive specialized hearing devices.
Creating a Modern Accessibility Solution
The introduction of a hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro aligns with a growing effort by Apple to address hearing health concerns. This move comes on the heels of the FDA’s decision to establish new guidelines in 2022 allowing the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, which bypass the need for a medical exam or fitting by an audiologist. With more details about the iOS 18 hearing aid mode yet to be revealed, this development complements previous reports by Gurman, suggesting that Apple is also working on a hearing test feature for future AirPods models.
Enhancing Accessibility on AirPods Pro
The integration of a hearing aid mode into iOS 18 for AirPods Pro emphasizes Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for its users. By combining cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly interface, Apple continues to set the bar high for inclusivity. With this new mode, AirPods Pro users can expect an even more advanced and personalized hearing experience.
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