(Commonwealth_Europe) Apple has recently launched a free software upgrade that transforms its AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids, marking a significant step forward in the accessibility of hearing loss treatments. This new feature, aimed at individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, enhances the sounds in the environment, helping users better engage with the world around them. The update is part of a broader push to integrate health-focused technologies into everyday devices, and it reflects Apple’s commitment to using its products to support users’ well-being.
The rollout of this technology in the UK follows a major development in January 2025, when the Department of Health and Social Care issued official guidance recommending its use for individuals with hearing challenges. The new feature is expected to help millions of people in the UK, where hearing loss affects one in three adults, and the percentage increases significantly for those aged 55 and older. Notably, over half of these individuals currently use hearing aids to manage their condition. By incorporating hearing aid technology into the widely used AirPods Pro 2, Apple is aiming to make hearing support more convenient, effective, and accessible.
The United States had already approved this technology in September 2024, with the FDA giving its blessing for Apple’s hearing aid features. This approval was groundbreaking as it marked the first over-the-counter software of its kind, allowing users to access hearing aid capabilities without needing a prescription. Apple’s introduction of this feature is not just about offering a new product but is also aimed at reducing the stigma associated with hearing aids. Experts believe that by incorporating hearing aids into devices people are already comfortable using, like AirPods, the technology will feel less invasive and more widely adopted.
The AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid function works by first guiding users through a quick hearing test using the earphones. The test, which lasts about five minutes, helps assess whether a person has mild to moderate hearing loss. If the results show that hearing loss is present, users can activate the hearing aid feature on the same pair of AirPods. The personalized hearing profile generated from this test adjusts the sounds around the user, amplifying both environmental sounds and audio from the AirPods, such as music or speech. This technology makes it easier for individuals to control their hearing experience in various settings, whether they are in noisy environments or watching a film.
Apple’s commitment to improving hearing health is highlighted by Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, who expressed excitement about bringing this new feature to users in the UK. Desai emphasized Apple’s belief that technology can significantly improve people’s quality of life and that the integration of hearing aid features into AirPods Pro 2 represents a complete hearing health experience. Apple’s efforts align with the UK government’s broader push to offer more accessible healthcare solutions, with the aim of providing patients with greater independence in managing their health.
This move also comes at a time when the UK government has been engaged in tense negotiations with Apple over cybersecurity and user privacy issues. Apple had recently faced criticism for its decision to remove its advanced data protection tool from its devices in response to government demands for access to user data. The removal sparked a backlash from privacy advocates, and Apple expressed its disappointment that UK customers would no longer benefit from the feature. Despite these challenges, Apple’s decision to offer the hearing aid functionality through its AirPods Pro 2 demonstrates its ongoing commitment to health innovation, even in the face of complex regulatory landscapes.
The introduction of hearing aids via AirPods Pro 2 is a significant step forward in the healthcare technology space, offering individuals with hearing loss a more affordable, personalized, and discreet solution. As part of a wider effort to improve access to health devices, the UK government has welcomed the development, with Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting noting that this innovation could positively impact tens of thousands of people. He highlighted that hearing aids could help patients live fuller, more independent lives and that the government’s actions would allow businesses to bring such devices to market more swiftly. The combination of government support and corporate innovation from Apple signals a promising future for wearable health technologies.
