Not just Apple Intelligence, Apple is also launching Hearing Aid feature with iOS 18.1

Apple is about to introduce iOS 18.1, and all eyes are on Apple Intelligence – Apple’s suite of AI features. But Apple Intelligence is not the only major update coming with iOS 18.1. In fact, according to reports, Apple will also start rolling out the hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2 next week, for which it recently received FDA approval.
During its fall launch, Apple introduced its Hearing Aid feature with hearing aid capabilities, hearing protection, and hearing testing, which could transform how users manage their hearing health. Apple stated that the Hearing Aid feature is designed to assist users with mild to moderate hearing loss by enhancing the audio experience in real time. The company has even received FDA authorization for this feature, making it one of the first consumer-grade products to integrate hearing aid technology.
According to MacRumors, to check for hearing health, users will need to start the process with a built-in hearing test directly from their iPhones. This test will play a series of tones across various frequencies, and users must indicate when they can hear each tone. The results are stored in the Health app, and the AirPods automatically adjust their audio settings based on these results. For users with hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 will amplify specific frequencies they struggle with, much like traditional hearing aids.
In addition to the hearing aid functionality, iOS 18.1 will also introduce hearing protection tools designed to shield users from loud noises. When worn, the AirPods Pro 2 will continuously monitor the surrounding environment and automatically reduce the impact of high-decibel levels, ensuring that loud sounds like traffic or concert music do not harm users’ hearing.
This feature will work across multiple listening modes, including Transparency Mode and Active Noise Cancellation. Depending on the environmental noise levels, the AirPods will reduce sound by 11 to 30 decibels, ensuring that users are not exposed to harmful sound levels.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Environmental Sound Reduction, also part of this update, will provide users with insights into the sound levels they’ve been exposed to and how much noise has been reduced over time. This detailed feedback will be available through the Health app, further reinforcing Apple’s commitment to hearing health.
Apart from the hearing health updates, iOS 18.1 will debut the first set of Apple Intelligence features. These will include smart tools like Writing Tools, summarised notifications, enhanced Siri capabilities, and improved email and message responses. Siri will now be able to answer detailed questions about Apple products and switch seamlessly between text and voice inputs. The Photos app will also benefit from a revamped Clean Up tool, making it easier to manage cluttered libraries.
Moreover, iOS 18.1 introduces new call recording and transcription features, NFC chip access for third-party developers, and improved iPhone mirroring. iPhone 16 users will enjoy a Camera Control upgrade, allowing for easier switching between the front and rear cameras with just a few taps.
The Apple Intelligence suite will be compatible with the following iPhones: