Tag Archives: Apple AirPods Pro

Apple’s AirPods Pro Hearing Health Features



Apple announced a trio of major new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2 in September, including clinical-grade hearing aid functionality, a hearing test, and more robust hearing protection, The Verge reported.

All three will roll out with the release of iOS 18.1, and they could mark a watershed moment for hearing health awareness. Apple is about to instantly turn the world’s most popular earbuds into an over-the-counter hearing aid.

That also means we’re about to enter an era where we’ll need to get comfortable with people wearing earbuds at all times. There’s a perception that leaving your earbuds in while talking with other people is rude. Transparency mode in many of today’s earbuds sounds totally natural and lifelike. 

Did you know that there are people who’ve already been replacing earplugs with the AirPodsPro at concerts? Until this fall, Apple had never endorsed such a use case or advertised its earbuds as hearing protection devices. The company knew people were doing it but kept quiet on the subject.

Engadget reported Apple iOS 18.1 is officially coming next week, bringing hearing aid software for the AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Intelligence across devices, multiple sources report, including The Wall Street Journal and Tech Crunch. 

The company previously released a beta version of the update in September. 

Let’s start with the hearing aids. Since late 2022, companies have been allowed to sell hearing aids over-the-counter. Apple announced the new feature at its September keynote event with the FDA approving it for use just a few days later. It involve a test that lets people know if they might have hearing loss and, if you do, it recommends going for a professional exam. It will also allow people to set their AirPods up as hearing aids.

As for the hearing aid aspect, the device will boost sounds and allow users to customize dynamic adjustments in real-time. The one obvious issue? Unlike hearing aids, wearing AirPods while talking to someone might look like your not engaging or ignoring them. But if it helps, then it’s worth it. 

Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, while the AirPods Pro 2 are $249.

TechRadar reported Apple’s AirPods Pro 2’s promised suite of hearing health features which could make the true wireless earbuds a viable alternative over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, is nearly here. 

After being unveiled at the technology giant’s September 8 2024 “It’s Glowtime” event, and receiving FDA approval on September 12, 2024, Apple’s now confirmed that the three-features-strong hearing health update will start to rollout as a software update starting next week.

Airpods Pro is the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device authorized by the FDA in the United States. This was issued after an evaluation that included a study with over 100 participants all of whom experienced mild to moderate hearing loss.

In my opinion, Apple is doing a very good thing with their AirpPods Pro. This will help a lot of people who have been struggling with hearing loss. 

 


Apple Announces Next Generation of AirPods Pro



Apple announced the second generation of AirPods Pro, the most advanced AirPods ever. With the power of the new H2 chip, AirPods Pro unlock breakthrough audio performance – including major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode – while also offering a unique way to experience Spatial Audio that’s even more immersive.

Now, customers can enjoy Touch control for media playback and volume adjustments directly from, the stem, along with longer battery life, a brand-new charging case, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order online and in the Apple Store starting Friday, September 9, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 23.

Breakthrough Audio

Built into a lightweight and compact body, the power of the new H2 chip provides an exceptional acoustic experience and cancels up to twice as much noise over the previous generation AirPods Pro. With a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, AirPods Pro now offer richer bass and crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies. Since the best audio experience isn’t complete without a great in-ear fit, a new extra small ear tip is included so even more people experience the magic of AirPods Pro.

Transparency mode makes it possible for listeners to stay connected to and aware of the world around them. Now, Adaptive Transparency takes this customer-loved feature even further. The powerful H2 chip enables on-device processing which reduces loud environmental noise – like a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or even loud speakers at a concert – for more comfortable everyday listening.

Precise and Immersive Sound

With Personalized Spatial Audio, the AirPods listening experience is even more immersive. Users perceive sound individually, based on the size and shape of their head and ears. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users can create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience precisely tuned just for them. Users can enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio with music, movies, and TV shows – with dynamic head tracking – across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Convenient Features

The magical experience users have come to love from the AirPods family gets even better with the next generation of AirPods Pro. Instant paring to all Apple devices makes setup effortless, while the new dedicated AirPods section in iOS Settings lets users easily access and control their AirPods features.

Now, users can control media playback and turn up to volume without using another device. With Touch control on AirPods Pro, a light swipe up and down on the stem enables quick volume adjustments. Press the stem to change the music, answer phone calls, and more, or say “Hey Siri” to make requests hands-free. The improved, built-in skin-detect sensor more accurately turns on or off playback and delivers better battery life.

Extended Battery Life

AirPods Pro offer 1.5 hours of additional listening time over the first generation, for a total of up to six hours with Active Noise Cancellation. Using the case for four additional charges, users can enjoy up to 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation – a full six hours more than the previous generation.

For more flexibility when traveling, customers can now change AirPods Pro with an Apple Watch charger, in addition to a MagSafe charger, Qi-certified charging mat, or the Lightning cable.

All-New Charging Case

AirPods Pro come with a newly designed charging case that is sweat- and water-resistant, and includes a lanyard loop so it’s always within reach. With Precision Finding, users with a U1-enabled iPhone can locate their charging case with guided directions. The charging case also has a built-in speaker to deliver louder tones, so its even easier to locate.