iOS 18.2 Expands Hearing Health for AirPods Pro 2
Apple's upcoming iOS 18.2 update brings expanded hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 users. The Hearing Aid feature will now be available in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. A hearing test feature is also expanding to Cyprus, Czechia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, and Spain.
These features join over 100 countries and regions where they were already accessible. For more information on Apple software updates, check out articles like macOS 15.2 RC: Should You Update? and One UI 7 Beta: A Surprisingly Polished Android 15 Update.
Hearing Test and Hearing Aid Features
AirPods Pro 2 users can conduct a hearing test on their iPhone to assess potential hearing loss. Based on the results, AirPods can be configured as clinical-grade hearing aids in supported regions. This functionality is similar to some features discussed in MacWhisper 11: Enhanced Transcription and Dictation.
The Hearing Protection feature, which automatically reduces loud sounds, remains limited to the U.S. and Canada.
Requirements and Availability
These features require AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware, a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 18 or later, and are available for users 18 and older. Apple hasn't announced a specific release date for iOS 18.2, but it's expected soon given the Release Candidate is available for beta testers.