AirPods Pro: Will the in-ears become a hearing aid with iOS 18?

Apple fans have sworn by the company’s own AirPods for years. But the wireless in-ears could soon have much more to offer than just playing good music. There are growing indications that the tech company wants to give the AirPods Pro a hearing aid mode. Perhaps as early as iOS 18?

Inexpensive alternative to hearing aids?

When it comes to true wireless in-ears, Apple is a true pioneer. When the first AirPods were officially presented in September 2016, many people just smiled wearily. Almost all smartphone users now rely on completely wireless headphones that fit into a practical charging case when listening to music or podcasts. AirPods are by no means always used.

In fact, pretty much every smartphone and many audio manufacturers now have their own counterparts in the lineup. However, according to rumors, Apple now seems to have found a way to set itself apart from the numerous competitors, with the tech company currently working on a mode that will turn the AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. This is according to a report by Bloomberg.

The second-generation in-ears should already have the necessary features. A hardware upgrade therefore does not appear to be necessary. Instead, Apple apparently wants to bring the new mode to iOS 18 via a software update. The California-based company has already proven that this works with iOS 17. As part of the update, the AirPods Pro 2 received a new adaptive mode that further expanded the previous ANC features.

New reason to buy AirPods Pro

Apple offers its in-ears in two different product classes. In addition to the design, the main difference between the standard version and the Pro version is the technical features. With its significantly more distinctive in-ear design, the AirPods Pro offer powerful ANC. This unique selling point could soon be a thing of the past.

After all, the fourth generation of standard AirPods is expected to receive active noise cancellation before the end of the year. It therefore stands to reason that Apple will rethink its Pro model and equip it with new features. However, we will have to wait until 2025 for the third generation of AirPods Pro to be launched. However, the upcoming hearing aid could already be a first taste of the technical possibilities of the upcoming in-ears.