Apple did not refresh the AirPods Professional vary on the iPhone occasion in September, nevertheless it introduced new listening to well being software program for the AirPods Professional 2. It just lately confirmed how these new accessibility-based options will likely be included with the iOS 18.1 replace that’s set to roll out subsequent week.
This week, throughout an early preview of the AirPods Professional 2’s (evaluation) new listening to well being options with a choose group of testers, Apple affirmed that the iOS 18.1 rollout will likely be accompanied by the AirPods firmware someday subsequent week. The replace will even allow the brand new capabilities, together with listening to safety, listening to help, and listening to check. Here’s a detailed look at how these will operate.
New listening to safety function
Whereas the AirPods Professional earbuds have labored pretty nicely as listening to safety gadgets by way of loud sound discount, Apple has not totally marketed them for use in instances like concert events and industrial complexes. This may quickly change with the brand new listening to safety device.
Apple described the function to guard customers’ ears from loud environmental noise whereas additionally preserving the sound profile of what they’re listening to. This was examined by The Verge’s Chris Welch who discovered it price having enabled always and its compatibility with ANC, transparency, and adaptive audio modes.
Listening to check by way of your AirPods and iPhone
The listening to check is one other unique AirPods Professional 2 function that may let customers use their headphones and an iPhone or iPad to run a fast listening to check and look at the outcomes instantly. Subsequently, outcomes will arrive within the type of customized listening to profiles and are recorded and offered in a abstract and charts which may also be referenced by audiometrists and specialists.
The listening to check will likely be tucked beneath the brand new listening to well being part within the AirPods app. The check will run for round 5 to 10 minutes per session and customers can run a number of checks. Nevertheless, for optimum outcomes, it requires a couple of checklists earlier than the process equivalent to making certain you’re in a quiet room and also you’re utilizing the correct ear ideas earlier than starting.
Over-the-counter listening to help
Together with the replace is Apple’s first over-the-counter listening to help function designed for individuals with delicate to reasonable listening to loss. It’ll make the most of the listening to help outcomes from the listening to check to supply dynamic quantity degree changes primarily based on these customized profiles.
Other than working as a listening to assistant to spice up ambient sounds, the listening to help can be appropriate with calls and media playback like music and video. Customers can nonetheless regulate the listening to help’s amplification degree.
Do you look ahead to check out these new AirPods Professional listening to well being options? Which one do you assume is an important addition? We’re listening. Tell us within the feedback.
