Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 2 Firmware Just Ahead of Launch of iOS 18.1 Hearing Aid Feature

Apple has released a new firmware update for its AirPods Pro 2 USB-C and Lightning models. The latest firmware has a build number of 7B19, replacing the 7A305 firmware Apple released in September.

The AirPods Pro 2 firmware release comes just ahead of Apple’s launch of the wireless earbuds’ new Hearing Health features. These features will be included in the upcoming iOS 18.1 update, which is expected to become available on Monday.

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The new hearing health features include active hearing protection, a hearing test, and the ability to use the earbuds as hearing aids. After taking an iPhone-based hearing test, users can see a summary of their test results, which, as you might expect, are stored privately and securely in the Health app. Test results can also be shared with users’ healthcare professionals.

Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid functionality provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that is automatically applied to sounds in a user’s surrounding environment, as well as music, videos, and calls.  The hearing aid feature is intended for users who have mild to moderate hearing loss and are 18 years of age and above,.

Release notes for the firmware update are as follows:

• When used with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 or later, AirPods Pro 2 with firmware update 7B19 enable three new features—a Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection.
• The Apple Hearing Test feature provides scientifically-validated hearing test results from the comfort of home (intended for users 18 years or older).
• The Hearing Aid feature provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that is automatically applied to sounds in your environment as well as music, videos, and calls (intended for users 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss)
• The Hearing Protection feature helps users minimize exposure to loud environmental noise across listening modes (available in the United States and Canada)

Features require AirPods Pro 2 with firmware version 7B19 or later. All features may not be available for all countries or regions.

Apple received FDA approval in September for the AirPods Pro 2 to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid in the US, making it the first product of its kind that the FDA has approved to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid software device.

The update also boasts a “Hearing Protection” feature that continuously monitors the wearer’s environment, allowing it to reduce the impact of loud sounds. This functionality will be limited to the United States and Canada at launch. The availability of hearing test and hearing aid features will vary by country.

Installing AirPods Pro 2 Firmware

There isn’t a manual method of updating the earbuds’ firmware; the new software will be installed over the air when the AirPods are connected via Bluetooth to an iOS device.

Placing the AirPods in their case, connecting them to a power source, and leaving them near an iPhone or iPad should start the update after a short period of time.

How to Check Your AirPods Current Firmware Version

While you can’t force your AirPods to update, you can check the firmware version of your earbuds with a few taps. Here’s how:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad by opening the case.
2. Launch the Settings app on your device.
3. Your AirPods should appear near the top. Select them.
4. Scroll to the bottom. The firmware will appear in the About section beside Version.
5. You can also tap this to find the firmware version installed on your AirPods Pro case.