December 22nd 2024.
Back in September, the tech giant Apple made some major announcements that had iPhone users buzzing with excitement. Along with the release of the new iPhone 16 range, they also revealed a software update for their popular AirPods Pro 2 headphones. But what really caught people's attention was the promise of a revolutionary health benefit that came with this update.
However, there was a catch. Before this change could be implemented, it needed to be certified by relevant health authorities in each country. Today, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has finally given their stamp of approval for the highly anticipated "hearing test" and "hearing aid" features for the AirPods Pro 2.
It's been two years since the AirPods Pro 2 were first released, and now thanks to this software update, they can do much more than just play music. With the help of an iPhone, these tiny earbuds can now conduct a medically certified hearing test. And if needed, they can even be configured to work as hearing aids for those who require assistance with their hearing.
But what does this mean for consumers? According to an Apple spokesperson, this approval from the TGA is a crucial first step towards making these features available in Australia. They are currently working on the necessary steps to ensure these experiences can be accessed as soon as possible.
At just $399 or less, the AirPods Pro 2 would be one of the most affordable ways to get the benefits of hearing aids in Australia. While there are other similar products on the market, they often come with a hefty price tag and require a visit to a dedicated hearing health center. With the AirPods Pro 2, all you need is an iPhone and a few minutes to spare.
So, how does it work? Well, Apple's iPhone has a built-in software that, when paired with the AirPods Pro 2, can conduct a clinical grade hearing test. This involves listening for sounds and interacting with the iPhone, and after a few minutes, the iPhone can provide a detailed report. If necessary, it can also enable the hearing aid feature on the AirPods Pro 2.
While the TGA approval is certainly a step in the right direction, there is still another hurdle for Apple to overcome. They need to enable this feature in a future software update. However, given their regular updates and the fact that this feature is already available in other regions, it's safe to assume that it will be available to Australians in the next update to iOS 18 for iPhone.
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