Technology
Danish Kapoor
Danish Kapoor

Apple will release iOS 18.1 update and new software for AirPods Pro 2 next week

Apple has officially confirmed that it will release the iOS 18.1 update to users next week. With this major update, a new software update will also be available for AirPods Pro 2. iOS 18.1 includes the first wave of Apple Intelligence features that Apple has been working on for a long time, and hearing health features will also be added to AirPods Pro 2. The update is expected to be released the week of October 28.

With this new firmware for AirPods Pro 2, Apple will offer features such as hearing testing, hearing protection and hearing aid functionality. These features could turn the device into a clinical-grade hearing aid for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, with approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Users will be able to optimize surrounding sounds according to their personal hearing profile through their headphones.

Apple Intelligence and other innovations

Apple Intelligence, which comes with iOS 18.1, includes artificial intelligence-based innovations such as writing tools, notification summaries and new editing features in the Photos application. Additionally, this update includes additional functions such as improvements to the Control Center, iPhone screen mirroring features and call recording. Apple will also open the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers for the first time, offering opportunities for new integrations.

The hearing health features developed for AirPods Pro 2 will enable users to better perceive environmental sounds with personal hearing tests and dynamic sound settings. While these innovations allow users to use the headphones as hearing aids, the sound protection function offered by the device will be able to filter out harmful sounds in loud environments.

With these updates, Apple is bringing a major functional expansion to both the iOS ecosystem and hardware like AirPods Pro 2. These developments, especially regarding hearing health, once again reveal the importance Apple attaches to health technologies.

Danish Kapoor