Key Points
- Apple is set to launch iOS 18.1 next week, which will include hearing aid software and AI tools in its devices.
- AirPods Pro 2 can now function as hearing aids, offering sound amplification and real-time adjustments for users with hearing loss.
- The AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature offers a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, priced at $249.
- iOS 18.1 introduces Apple’s AI suite, featuring smart audio recording, transcription, and enhanced writing tools for apps like Mail and Notes.
Apple is set to release iOS 18.1 next week, bringing significant updates to its devices, including hearing aid software for AirPods Pro 2 and new AI-powered Apple Intelligence features. Multiple sources, including The Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch, have confirmed these details following a beta release in September. Here’s what to expect from the update.
One of the standout features in iOS 18.1 is the hearing aid functionality for AirPods Pro 2. Apple announced this update during its September keynote following FDA approval of the feature. The integration of hearing aids comes when over-the-counter hearing aids are becoming more accessible, thanks to regulatory changes since 2022.
The feature allows users to assess their hearing health through a simple test, alerting them to potential hearing loss and recommending a professional exam if needed. AirPods Pro 2 can also be configured as a hearing aid, boosting sound and providing real-time dynamic adjustments. Users will have the ability to customize audio settings to suit their specific needs.
While using AirPods during conversations may present social challenges—such as appearing disengaged—the functionality offers a more affordable solution to hearing aids, which can cost thousands of dollars. At $249, the AirPods Pro 2 provides a more budget-friendly option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, expanding accessibility.
Another major feature in iOS 18.1 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite, first unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. This update brings several AI-driven tools to enhance productivity across Apple’s ecosystem.
Among the initial features are smart audio recording and transcription, integrated into apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages. Users will be able to record and transcribe audio seamlessly, making it easier to capture information on the go. Additionally, Apple Intelligence offers writing tools that assist with checking spelling, grammar, and style, enhancing the overall user experience.
Apple is expected to release further AI functionalities in future updates as the company continues to expand its capabilities in artificial intelligence. The introduction of these tools is part of Apple’s broader push to compete in the rapidly evolving AI market while maintaining its focus on user-friendly, privacy-conscious software.
