Forget new designs, Apple’s playing doctor with your ears this fall.
Apple’s AirPods Pro, a popular choice in the wireless audio market, is set for a huge update in 2024. Yet, users looking for hardware upgrades may need to adjust their expectations as the focus turns to a new software feature: a hearing aid mode.
AirPods Pro’s Upcoming Hearing Aid Mode
Apple has a history of adding features to help with hearing. Technologies like Live Listen and Conversation Boost already show the AirPods Pro’s ability to be an alternative to hearing aids.
These features have shown that AirPods are more than just for music. They can also help people hear better in everyday life.
In fact, a study in 2022 found that these features are almost as good as much pricier hearing aids.
There’s not much information on what the hearing aid mode will actually do. But, the new feature is expected to be an even better and more refined version of the current AirPods Pro features.
The Regulatory Landscape
The AirPods Pro’s new hearing aid mode comes at a time when the rules around hearing aids are changing.
In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made it easier for people to get a new type of hearing aids. These are called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs).
According to the FDA, PSAPs are for people who want to make some sounds louder. This can be useful in activities like hunting or doing other outdoor activities.
PSAPs don’t have to follow the same strict rules as hearing aids. That’s because they’re not meant to treat hearing problems. So, these devices could be sold over-the-counter, without needing to see a doctor or an audiologist first.
However, if Apple wants to suggest that the AirPods Pro can help people with hearing loss, they might need to get special approval from the FDA. This is because, doing so will make the AirPods Pro fall into the typical hearing aids category, instead of PSAPs.
When Can We Expect It?
Gurman suggests that the new hearing aid mode could be introduced in the Fall of 2024 alongside iOS 18. There will likely be an official preview at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Then, a release in September alongside the new iPhone 16 series.
This timeline follows Apple’s usual pattern of sharing new software features at WWDC and rolling them out with the latest iPhone.
However, it remains unclear if the hearing aid mode will be available to both AirPods Pro 1 and 2 or just the latest version.