Apple is set to release iOS 18.1 next week, which will introduce a range of advanced hearing health capabilities for the AirPods Pro 2, along with the first features of Apple Intelligence.
Reviewers who received early access to the new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2 have confirmed the timing of the update, reports MacRumors.
Also Read: Apple AirPods Pro gets FDA approval to serve as hearing aids
The update will include three key features: hearing protection, hearing testing, and hearing aid functionality. Last month, Apple received FDA authorisation for these new features.
One of the key features in the update will be the ability to conduct a hearing test directly from the iPhone.
This test plays a series of tones at different frequencies and prompts users to respond, similar to a clinical hearing test performed by audiologists.
The results are stored in the Health app, allowing users to adjust their AirPods’ audio settings accordingly.
If the test indicates hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 can automatically configure themselves to function as hearing aids, boosting specific sounds in real-time, the report mentioned.
The update will also bring improved hearing protection.
This feature continuously monitors your surroundings and minimises the impact of loud sounds, like traffic or concerts, in real-time.
It works seamlessly across different listening modes, including noise cancellation and transparency mode.
iOS 18.1 will also introduce Apple Intelligence features for the first time, such as Writing Tools, text and notification summaries, Siri’s ability to answer questions about Apple products, smart replies for emails and messages, an enhanced Clean Up tool in Photos, and more.
Also Read: Apple Intelligence will support more languages in the coming year
Meanwhile, Apple has unveiled the new iPad mini, supercharged by the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence, the company’s new generative artificial intelligence (AI) offering.
The new iPad mini comes available in four colour options: blue, purple, starlight, and space grey.
The new iPad mini starts at Rs 49,900 for the Wi-Fi model, and Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
The device starts with 128GB of storage – double the storage of the previous generation, and also comes available in 256GB and 512GB configurations.