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


Elon Musk’s SpaceX Explores Merger Options With Tesla or xAI, Reports Say
US Judge Rejects $2.36B Penalty Bid Against Google in Privacy Data Case
Rewardy Wallet and 1inch Collaborate to Simplify Multi-Chain DeFi Swaps with Native Token Gas Payments
Google Halts UK YouTube TV Measurement Service After Legal Action
Apple Faces Margin Pressure as Memory Chip Prices Surge Amid AI Boom
NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Amazon Eye Massive OpenAI Investment Amid $100B Funding Push
Federal Judge Signals Possible Dismissal of xAI Lawsuit Against OpenAI
Amazon Stock Dips as Reports Link Company to Potential $50B OpenAI Investment
Microsoft AI Spending Surge Sparks Investor Jitters Despite Solid Azure Growth
Meta Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Approval of AI Chatbots Allowing Sexual Interactions With Minors
Oracle Plans $45–$50 Billion Funding Push in 2026 to Expand Cloud and AI Infrastructure
Nvidia’s $100 Billion OpenAI Investment Faces Internal Doubts, Report Says
Jensen Huang Urges Taiwan Suppliers to Boost AI Chip Production Amid Surging Demand
Sandisk Stock Soars After Blowout Earnings and AI-Driven Outlook
Elon Musk’s Empire: SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI Merger Talks Spark Investor Debate
Pentagon and Anthropic Clash Over AI Safeguards in National Security Use 



