Last fall’s hardware updates for the Apple headphones line were focused on two new sets of AirPods and AirPods Max with USB-C. AirPods Pro 2 went unchanged, but updated software was and now the U.K. will see hearing aid features in matter of weeks.
AirPods Pro 2 already unveiled the Hearing Test feature, so users can take a validated home hearing test to see if they would benefit from hearing aid assistance.
But while these features are already live in the U.S., for instance, some countries, including the U.K., didn’t have regulations in place to permit the earbuds to go on to be used as hearing aids.
The British Health Secretary, Wes Streeting said, “Britain can be a powerhouse for medical technology, but only if we rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation,” according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.
The report also quoted a statement from Apple. “With the new policy guidance from the U.K. Department of Health and Social Care, we look forward to bringing the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the coming weeks to help improve the daily lives of so many U.K. users,” Apple said.
In other words, Apple will release an updated version of software for the U.K., likely in iOS 18 but possibly with new firmware for the AirPods Pro in cahoots.
Then, AirPods Pro 2 can be used as a hearing aid to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Of course, the battery life can’t match regular hearing aids and so will need to be taken out to be recharged periodically. And it could look like you’re listening to music or making a call when you’re wearing them.
But for some people it could overcome the social stigma of having a visible hearing aid while allowing them to hear better.
As for timing, Apple’s comment of “the coming weeks” suggests January or February to me. For some, this could be a real boon.
