Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company has started rolling out new hearing-focused features for AirPods Pro 2. Cook posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Hearing is essential to our overall health. With our new comprehensive hearing health experience on AirPods Pro 2, users can enhance, safeguard, and gain deeper insights into their hearing. We’re excited to launch these features today, knowing they will truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Hearing is a vital part of our health. Apple’s new end-to-end hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2 allows customers to improve, protect, and better understand their hearing. We’re excited for these new features to have an impact on people’s lives. They’re available today!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 29, 2024
First announced in September, these features will be available to all through a free software update. You can even take a clinically validated hearing test using your AirPods Pro 2, which can then transform into over-the-counter hearing aids.
With the latest update, users can conduct a hearing test directly from their iPhone. The test, much like a clinical hearing assessment, involves listening to tones and providing feedback. The results are then stored in the Health app, allowing users to tailor their AirPods’ audio settings for optimal hearing experience.
If the hearing test detects hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically adjust to function as personalized hearing aids, amplifying specific sounds in real time. According to Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s VP of Health, the AirPods Pro will enhance sounds like speech or environmental elements based on the user’s needs.
As per a report by The Verge, the Apple hearing test is designed to be unpredictable and can play any frequency at any time. The headphones will also include new hearing protection features, such as automatic loud sound reduction, enabled by default. This feature is integrated across various listening modes.
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As for the Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools, text and notification summaries, the ability for Siri to answer questions about Apple products, smart replies to emails and messages, and more. There’s also a tool for rewriting text for different tones: Concise, Friendly or Professional.
This is what the #Apple Airpods Pro 2 Hearing Test on #iOS 18.2 Beta (Developer) does. So easy to use for screening without having to see a professional. pic.twitter.com/TGarhe0z7k
— David Mealo (@techSage) October 27, 2024
The update will also bring an object removal tool and an automatic movie creation option in the Photos app. The new revamped Siri UI now glows around the edges when the voice assistant is invoked. Additionally, iOS 18.1 brings new call recording and transcription capabilities, opens NFC chip access to third-party developers, and enhances iPhone mirroring. iPhone 16 users will benefit from an upgraded Camera Control feature, enabling quick and easy switching between the front and rear cameras with just a few taps.
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