Apple gears up for an exciting AirPods lineup revamp, with two new AirPods 4 models expected this fall alongside a “Hearing Aid Mode” update for AirPods Pro in iOS 18, reveals Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Mark Gurman's Insights: Expectations for Upcoming AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro Features
Gurman anticipates a thrilling upgrade in both fourth generation AirPods models, featuring a revamped design for a snug fit, enhanced sound quality for an immersive audio experience, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port for faster charging.
The top-tier models will even sport active noise cancellation and a charging case speaker capable of playing a sound for Find My Location tracking, promising a futuristic audio experience.
In a recent report by MacRumors, Gurman previously stated that Apple intends to discontinue the second and third generation AirPods after releasing the two fourth-generation models.
Gurman expects new AirPods Pro to be released next year at the latest, but he does say the current models will get a new hearing aid mode in iOS 18. He added that Apple is developing a hearing test feature for AirPods.
iOS 18 to Introduce 'Hearing Aid Mode' for AirPods Pro
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the upcoming iOS 18 release will include a new "hearing aid mode" for AirPods Pro.
In the subscriber edition of his regular Power On newsletter, Gurman claims that the "big news" for AirPods Pro shortly will be support for a hearing aid-style function when iOS 18 is released in the fall.
The first rumor surfaced in a 2021 Wall Street Journal report, but it was previously framed as a feature reserved for the next generation of AirPods Pro. However, Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, and the company recently updated the model with a USB-C port.
The AirPods Pro already have a Conversation Boost feature that increases the volume and clarity of people directly in front of the wearer. Still, Apple needs to advertise the earbuds as a hearing aid device, which would require FDA regulatory approval.
The FDA defines a hearing aid as "any wearable device designed for, offered for the purpose of, or represented as aiding persons with or compensating for, impaired hearing." This definition includes air-conduction and bone-conduction devices in various styles (for example, behind-the-ear, in-the-canal, or body-worn).
Photo: Dagny Reese/Unsplash


Moonshot Launches Kimi K3, China's Largest Open-Source AI Model
Bank of America Says These Overlooked AI Stocks Could Be the Next Winners
KAIST, Stanford Develop Self-Dressing Robot for Cleanrooms and Emergency Gear
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software
Apple Intelligence China Approval Lifts Alibaba and Baidu Shares
Nvidia Reveals 9.3% Stake in AI Cloud Firm Nebius Following $2 Billion Investment
SpaceX Q2 Earnings on Aug. 4 Set Stage for Historic Insider Share Unlock
Xi Jinping Calls for People-Centered AI Development at WAIC, Expands Global Cooperation
Nationwide Data Center Protests Highlight Growing Backlash Against AI Expansion
Morgan Stanley Downgrades Adobe, Workday as AI Transition Raises Growth Concerns
Sam Altman Admits OpenAI Missteps, Promises Major AI Comeback Focused on User Freedom
SpaceX Aborts Starship Test Flight as Engine Issue Delays Launch
Foxconn Wins First SpaceX AI Server Contract Worth Estimated $52 Billion
Samsung Eyes Up to $1.14 Billion Investment in AI Startup Mistral
TSMC Sees Multi-Year AI Chip Demand as Arizona Expansion Reaches $265 Billion
SpaceX Eyes Pentagon AI Deal as Cloud Pricing Strategy Pressures CoreWeave 



