Apple iOS 18.1 will officially arrive next week, bringing hearing aid software for AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Intelligence to a variety of devices, multiple sources including The Wall Street Journal and Tech Crunch are reporting. The company previously released a beta version of the update in September. Here’s what we know about iOS 18.1.
Let’s start with hearing aids. Starting in late 2022, companies will be able to sell hearing aids over the counter. Apple announced this new feature at a keynote event in September, and the FDA approved it for use just days later. This includes tests that let people know if they may have hearing loss and recommends that they get a professional test if they do. You’ll also be able to set up AirPods as hearing aids.
As for the hearing aid aspect, the device enhances sound and allows users to customize dynamic adjustments in real time. One obvious problem: Unlike hearing aids, if you wear AirPods while talking to someone, you may appear unengaged or ignoring them. But if it helps, it’s worth it. This update could also bring significant changes to access for people with hearing loss. Hearing aids cost thousands of dollars, but AirPods Pro 2 are $249 (not nothing, but much better by comparison).
Apple Intelligence is another major feature added in iOS 18.1. The company first revealed its views on AI at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. It includes a variety of initial features, including smart audio recording and transcription for apps like Mail, Notes, Pages, and more. There are also writing tools for things like checking spelling and grammar. Apple should release more features for its AI tools in future updates.
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