From a simple accessory to a health tech device, Apple has greatly expanded the features and functions of AirPods to make them a more important device to own, and users don’t need to buy a new one to get said functionality. One of the biggest improvements to the AirPods Pro 2 is its hearing aid feature, and it will allow users who need these devices to use the music streaming accessory as an alternative.
That being said, there are still limitations to the technology that we will explore in this article, but the most important thing is that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently gave it permission to use this feature .
Apple iOS 18 brings AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid functionality
Cupertino’s latest iOS 18.2 upgrade has given the world better access to the popular AirPods feature that can help with hearing loss, as well as its detection feature to help users with this latest health tech feature. According to MacRumorsApple recently expanded AirPods Pro hearing testing capabilities to nine countries around the world, including Cyprus, Czechia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. United.
Additionally, the UAE has given Apple and its software permission to use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid, expanding the device’s capabilities for the region after the US welcomed the feature for the first time. The United States was among the first countries to allow Apple to market its AirPod Pro 2 as a clinical-grade hearing aid thanks to iOS 18.
Initially, Apple introduced the feature through iOS 18.1, released in October, and it gave those who need it the ability to use the AirPods Pro 2, and it is currently among the over-the-counter offerings in the market. However, it’s important to note that users should make sure their AirPods Pro 2 are already running at least version 7B19 or later Apple firmware updates aside from iOS 18.1.
The Cupertino tech giant is also known for its previous efforts to turn its older wearables into health tech devices, with the company starting with the Apple Watch series which received heartbeat detection and later, rate respiratory, AFib, and more.
Are AirPods Pro 2 great alternatives to the real deal?
AirPods Pro 2 are already approved as “clinical grade” over-the-counter hearing aids in the United States and United Arab Emirates, and they are recommended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, as determined by doctors. Since AirPods Pro 2 is primarily a technology device, users can have different functions for wearable devices besides being a hearing aid.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Although the AirPods Pro 2 are already two years old, they remain one of the most advanced devices in Cupertino’s AirPods lineup, with the most recent major change being its USB-C charging case. That being said, users had to purchase a new set of AirPods Pro 2 to get this USB-C charging and replace their existing Lightning port-equipped device.
There was a lot of hype when rumors first broke about Apple’s iOS 18 upgrade that will take the AirPods Pro in a new light, one where it will now be a medical device while still retaining its original features. iconic features, to provide hearing aid for everyone.