Apple has released new firmware for AirPods Pro 2, the first update since iOS 18.1 added support for powerful new hearing health features. AirPods 4 got an update too. Here are the details.
Update 11/12: One day later, Apple has now released the same firmware builds for developers too.
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AirPods have been among Apple’s biggest hits in the last decade, and the company apparently has big plans for their future. Just weeks after launching hearing health features in iOS 18.1 for AirPods Pro 2, a new report indicates health will be a big priority for future AirPods models.
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Today several videos have dropped where Apple’s executives sat for new interviews covering the variety of new features and hardware that launched last week. Topics include the M4 chip, Apple Intelligence, new AirPods Pro 2 features, and more.
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Today Apple debuted powerful new AirPods Pro 2 features as part of iOS 18.1. Coordinated with that launch, the company has offered a rare look inside the Audio Lab where new AirPods features are developed.
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Apple released a ton of new software updates today, with the highlight being the launch of the first Apple Intelligence features. But AirPods Pro 2 users are also getting some powerful additions in iOS 18.1. Here’s what’s new.
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Apple has launched a major update to AirPods Pro 2 ahead of iOS 18.1 that turns the wireless earphones into a clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid set. Here’s what you need to know for how to use the AirPods hearing aid and hearing test.
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Apple has just released new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 ahead of iOS 18.1’s launch next week. This firmware update brings support for the powerful new health features: Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection.
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Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features would only be available in the United States and Canada. This is incorrect. Those features will be available in available in more than 100 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
We’ve updated the story reflect that Hearing Protection is the only feature limited to the US and Canada.
Apple on Monday shared another glimpse at the new Hearing Health features coming to AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18.1 next week. However, even if you have compatible hardware running the latest software, the Hearing Protection feature will only be available in the United States and Canada.
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The FCC has announced new requirements for all smartphones to be compatible with all Bluetooth hearing aids, and one quirky impact is that this will include AirPods Pro 2.
It will also require iPhones to support all Bluetooth hearing aids, not just MFi ones …
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It’s been a busy fall for Apple software releases, and that’s set to continue. iOS 18.1 and more will arrive in the next couple weeks. But ahead of those updates, Apple has just released new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2—likely with support for the upcoming Hearing Health features.
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When people talk about augmented reality, they almost always focus on visual methods of AR. But there’s an entirely different type of ‘augmented reality’ experience: one for your ears. And this is where AirPods have proven so fantastic with their ever-expanding features. Here are all the ways AirPods are the ultimate AR device for your ears.
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Following the release of a new firmware for AirPods last week, Apple has now released a new beta firmware made specifically for the second-generation AirPods Pro. Read on as we detail what to expect from future AirPods firmware updates.
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Apple just released new AirPods Max last week. The minor revision includes USB-C, comes in fresh colors, and supports one new audio feature. But there are a whole lot of modern Apple features absent from these updated AirPods Max. Here’s everything that’s missing.
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Earlier this week, Apple announced a powerful new health feature coming to AirPods Pro 2: hearing aid. But curiously, the company shared that it had not yet received FDA authorization for this ‘clinical grade’ hearing aid mode. Assuming that would happen, though, the feature would arrive later this year. As of today, however, the FDA announced it has officially authorized Apple’s new feature.
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When Apple issues the firmware upgrade needed to use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid, it will put the company into direct competition with existing over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Most OTC hearing aids offer Bluetooth headphone functionality, so a single device will serve both functions either way, but AirPods will offer two significant advantages …
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Apple’s announcement of the new AirPods Pro hearing aid feature has triggered a fall in the stock value of major standalone hearing aid brands.
The Cupertino company had long been expected to add hearing aid features to AirPods, and Monday’s event revealed the details …
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Apple on Thursday released another new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 owners. This firmware is made specifically for users running iOS 18 beta on their iPhone or iPad, as it adds new features such as head gestures.
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Today has been a big one for Apple beta releases. But the company has one more thing in store for developers. New developer firmware for AirPods Pro 2 just dropped, and is available now.
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Apple continues to deliver updates to its best wireless earbuds: AirPods Pro 2. Gen-two hardware (Lightning or USB-C) launched with impressive Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and more. A year later, Apple dropped a big update that added Adaptive Audio mode, Conversation Awareness, and more. Later this year, Apple will release another feature update that adds even more enhancements.
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Apple is now selling the USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2 separately for $99. This allows AirPods Pro 2 users to switch from the Lightning case to the USB-C case without having to buy a new pair of AirPods.
Apple says the first orders will arrive between December 27 and January 2, so they won’t arrive in time to be a stocking stuffer.
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There’s a new firmware update waiting for second-generation AirPods Pro. This update includes build number 6B34 and version number 6.1.34. Head below for details on how to check your AirPods Pro firmware…
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It hasn’t been long since Apple first began selling refurbished AirPods, starting with the AirPods 3 – which were first released in October 2021. Now, the company is expanding its refurbished store with AirPods Pro 2, but only in a few European countries for now.
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Counterfeit Apple products are a real problem. Earlier this year we saw US officials seize over a thousand fake AirPods and Apple Watches. And Apple has a dedicated team for dealing with illegal knockoffs. While good counterfeits may look very convincing from the outside, an X-ray comparison reveals all the differences between real AirPods and fakes.
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Following the iPhone 15 announcement last month, Apple has also introduced a new version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case. However, the new version of the AirPods Pro 2 comes with more than just a new case, as it is capable of transmitting lossless audio when paired with an Apple Vision Pro. And Apple’s headset will remind users that it works best with the new version of AirPods.
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