Apple AirPods Pro to Gain Hearing Aid Mode With iOS 18 Release

Apple's AirPods Pro is set to receive a major new accessibility feature that could make the popular earbuds a viable alternative to dedicated hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the AirPods Pro will gain a "hearing aid mode" when iOS 18 is released later this year.

The new hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro is expected to build upon existing audio amplification and clarity-enhancing features already available on the earbuds. Current models offer a Conversation Boost capability that amplifies voices directly in front of the wearer and a Live Listen feature that uses the iPhone's microphone to funnel sound to the AirPods.

A 2022 study found that when using Live Listen, the AirPods Pro performed nearly as well as entry-level hearing aids, costing around $2,000 for those with mild to moderate hearing impairment. However, due to regulatory requirements, Apple has not previously marketed AirPods as a dedicated hearing aid solution.

The upcoming iOS 18 software update may change that by seemingly optimizing the AirPods Pro's audio processing specifically for hearing assistance. Exactly how the new hearing aid mode will work remains unclear, but it could potentially turn the $249 earbuds into an affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids for many users.

Apple is expected to preview iOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June before rolling out the update alongside the iPhone 16 series launch in September. The upcoming software release is also rumoured to include AI enhancements to Siri, support for RCS messaging, and other new features.

If Apple can deliver a practical hearing aid experience through a software update, it could open up accessibility for millions at a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids.