Apple did not release new AirPods Pro hardware this year, but they did introduce some significant new features in iOS 18. During the September Glowtime event, Apple announced a comprehensive hearing health solution for its premium earbuds.
With iOS 18.1 and the necessary firmware updates, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can now perform clinical-grade hearing tests, provide advanced hearing protection, and even be used in hearing aids. However, these features are only available in countries where they have been approved by regulatory authorities.
Rumors about hearing protection features for the AirPods Pro have been circulating for years, especially after the US FDA approved over-the-counter hearing aids. Previously, hearing aids required a prescription from an audiologist, but this new regulation changed that in the US.
When Apple’s VP of Health, Dr. Sumbal Desai, presented the company’s new hearing health features in September, they had not yet received FDA approval. However, just three days after the event, the FDA approved the technology, making AirPods Pro the first over-the-counter hearing aid software.
While these features didn’t make it into iOS 18.0, they were included in iOS 18.1, which was released in late October in the US. However, other countries received a mix of features based on their respective government approvals. Germany and Japan were among the few to get both the Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features, while Australia and the UK did not receive any new features. Hearing Protection was limited to the US and Canada.
Health Canada has now issued licenses for the hearing aid and hearing test features, allowing Apple to launch them in Canada. However, this approval came after the release of iOS 18.2, which introduced the hearing aid feature to the UAE and expanded the hearing test to several European countries.
Canadians may have to wait until iOS 18.3 next year to see the hearing aid and hearing test features in their country. Apple could potentially release a sub-point update like iOS 18.2.1, but it’s more likely to be included in iOS 18.3 early next year.
