Apple has released a new firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, for both the USB-C and Lightning models. The new AirPods Pro 2 firmware carries a build number of 7B19, up from the 7A305 firmware Apple released in September.
The new AirPods 2 firmware comes as Apple is planning to launch its new Hearing Health features in iOS 18.1, which is expected to become available on Monday The new Hearing Health features include active Hearing Protection, a hearing test, and a hearing aid feature. After taking the hearing test, users will be able to view a summary of their test results, which is stored privately and securely in the Health app. Users can also share test results with their healthcare providers.
The AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid functionality provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that is automatically applied to sounds in your environment as well as music, videos, and calls. The hearing aid feature is intended for users 18 years and older, who have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Release notes for the 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)
All features may not be available for all countries or regions.
Apple has received FDA approval for the AirPods Pro 2 to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid in the United States. That makes it the first product that the FDA has allowed to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid software device.
The update also includes a Hearing Protection feature that will continuously monitor the wearer’s environment to reduce the impact of loud sounds. This functionality will be limited to the U.S. and Canada at launch.
Installing AirPods Pro 2 Firmware
There isn’t any way to manually update the firmware of the earbuds, and the new software will be installed over the air while the AirPods are connected via Bluetooth to an iOS device.
If you place the AirPods in their case, connect them to a power source, and then pair them to an iPhone or iPad, they should update after a short period of time.
How to Check Your AirPods Firmware
Here’s how to check the firmware version of your AirPods Pro earbuds:
- Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap “General.”
- Tap “About.”
- Scroll down to “AirPods,” and tap that.
- Read the number next to “Firmware Version.”
