Next week, Apple will release iOS 18.1, introducing a number of new features specifically tailored to the AirPods Pro 2. At the heart of this update are advanced hearing health features that Apple has developed. These innovations promise to revolutionize the way you use your AirPods and monitor your hearing health. But that's not all - the first Apple Intelligence features will also be part of this update.
Apple has always set the standard for innovation, and with iOS 18.1 the company continues that tradition. What's particularly exciting for you as an AirPods Pro 2 user is the integration of features that will personalize and improve your hearing experience. The ability to perform hearing tests directly from the iPhone and the automatic switching of the AirPods to a hearing aid mode are just some of the groundbreaking features. But why is this so important? Hearing health is an often overlooked topic and with this new technology Apple is bringing awareness of this important topic into the mainstream.
Hearing protection, hearing tests and hearing aid function: A quantum leap for your hearing health
With the update to iOS 18.1, your hearing health is brought into focus (via MacRumors). The AirPods Pro 2 get three core features that not only improve your music experience but also actively protect your ears and monitor your hearing health.
- Hearing tests directly on your iPhone: A highlight of this update is the ability to perform a hearing test directly on your iPhone. The test plays different frequencies and you are asked to respond to them. These results are saved in the Health app and can be used to optimally adjust your AirPods to your hearing. This is particularly practical because you don't have to visit an audiologist but can do this test from the comfort of your own home.
- AirPods as hearing aids: If the hearing test shows signs of hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 automatically adjust. They then act as hearing aids that amplify certain frequencies and speech sounds to give you a better hearing experience. This function has been approved by the FDA and could be a real relief in everyday life for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Real-time hearing protection: Another groundbreaking feature is improved hearing protection. The AirPods continuously monitor ambient noise and reduce the impact of loud noises such as traffic noise or loud music at concerts in real time. This function is seamlessly integrated into the familiar listening modes such as transparency mode and noise cancellation.

Apple Intelligence: The Future of Digital Assistance
In addition to the improvements for the AirPods Pro 2, iOS 18.1 will also include the first Apple Intelligence features in the US. These promise an optimized user experience and make your everyday life even more convenient.
- Writing tools and summaries: A new feature summarizes text and notifications to help you keep track of things.
- Intelligent responses: Siri can now respond intelligently to emails and messages, making communication easier for you.
- Cleaning up photos made easy: With the new clean-up tool, you can organize your photo collection more efficiently, free up storage space, and edit images.
Another exciting feature coming in a later update is improved integration of ChatGPT with Siri. This will enable Siri to answer even more complex questions and perform tasks that go far beyond simple commands.
iOS 18.1 Update: Protect and Improve Your Hearing Health
Apple is sending a clear message with iOS 18.1: The future of technology lies not only in entertainment and comfort but also in actively promoting your health. With the new hearing functions of the AirPods Pro 2, you have the opportunity to monitor your hearing health and even detect and treat hearing loss at an early stage. So stay tuned and make sure you install the update next week - your hearing and your digital life will thank you! Don't have AirPods Pro 2 yet? Then take a look at Amazon, where you can get Apple's earphones 9 percent cheaper. (Image: Apple)
- Apple is pushing ahead with the integration of ChatGPT into Siri
- iOS 18.1: Apple Intelligence and more expected on October 28th