Apple didn’t announce AirPods Pro 3 at its iPhone 16 event, but it did announce a huge update to the years-old AirPods Pro 2. Here’s what you need to know.
AirPods Pro 2 update: what do you say?
The iPhone 16 event was of course focused on new devices, like the thinner Apple Watch Series 10 and the iPhone 16 with new physical buttons. But the company also showed that you don’t need new hardware to introduce impressive new features, and nowhere is that more evident than with the AirPods Pro 2.
For viewers of the livestream, it was a bit confusing whether Apple would come up with the AirPods Pro 3 or not. Especially since we have been reading rumors about new health features for quite some time.
It turns out we can now get these new features without having to pay for new earbuds. The ‘best selling headphones in the world‘, according to Apple, is getting a major upgrade with iOS 18. The focus is on protecting and improving your hearing.
Take a hearing test
You will soon be able to take a hearing test with your AirPods Pro 2. Just like with a normal hearing test, the earbuds will play different types of tones with this function. On your iPhone, you indicate with a tap when you hear a tone. At the end, you will then receive a summary of the status of your hearing. You can share this result with a doctor if necessary.
Use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid
The biggest addition is that you can use the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. The result of the hearing test is then used to create a personalized profile, so that the earbuds know exactly which sounds to amplify. This profile is also directly applied to the normal use of the earbuds, such as when you listen to music, watch movies or make phone calls.
If this really works as well as Apple claims, this feature could shake up the hearing aid market. Even the cheapest hearing aids are usually more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2, and then the quality is poor, they are not rechargeable and they do not have Bluetooth. Prices for good hearing aids can go up to over 2000 euros.
It also means a shift in how AirPods are perceived in public life. While keeping the earbuds in social situations is often seen as antisocial, some people will soon have to keep the earbuds in to better hear others.
Protect your hearing
The AirPods Pro 2 will also protect your hearing better. In our daily lives, we hear sounds that can damage our hearing too often, so the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically dampen these sounds.
Why not AirPods Pro 3?
Apple could have reserved these improvements for the AirPods Pro 3, but has opted to roll them out to all AirPods Pro 2 users. Those waiting for a new version of the earbuds with a new chip will have to be patient. A successor is undoubtedly in the works.
The fact that these updates are now coming to the AirPods Pro 2 is mainly good news for the wallet. Hopefully, it is a sustainable strategy that Apple will apply more often in the future: not every major adjustment has to be accompanied by new hardware. The AirPods Pro 2 have also already dropped considerably in price, so that you can now score a pair relatively cheaply. Check our price comparison for the cheapest offer.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 deals
Compare all Apple AirPods Pro 2 prices
More news from the iPhone 16 event
Read on to learn more about the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10. The ‘regular’ AirPods are also getting a huge upgrade. Even without eartips, the more expensive version of the AirPods 4 can dampen ambient noise.
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