This week, Apple announced the imminent launch of Hearing Health features, which will be available to users of AirPods Pro 2 wireless headphones with the release of iOS 18.1 next week. We are talking about the ability to use headphones as a hearing aid, as well as hearing protection functions. However, not all AirPods Pro 2 owners will be able to take advantage of these innovations, at least at this stage.
Image Source: 9to5mac.com
Apple first talked about the hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2 last month, during the presentation of the iPhone 16 and other new products. It’s impressive that the new features will not only better protect your hearing, but also test it. These headphones are used to fine-tune the sound obtained during a hearing test, turning AirPods Pro 2 into a full-fledged hearing aid.
The new features are only compatible with second-generation AirPods Pro, but that’s not the only limitation. The description on Apple’s website says that these innovations will only be available to users in the US and Canada. This means that even with AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.1, users will not be able to use the headphones as a hearing aid outside the US and Canada, at least for now. This is likely due to the need to test features and obtain local regulatory approval.
In the US, Apple has already received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advertise the AirPods Pro 2 as a “clinical grade” hearing aid. Apple is likely currently awaiting regulatory approval in other countries to expand the availability of new features.