# AirPods Pro 2 Firmware Update Released Prior to iOS 18.1 Rollout
Apple has unveiled a fresh firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, following a recent update that included nearly all AirPods variants. This new firmware version, 7B19, supersedes the prior 7A305 build, which was issued in September. The update follows shortly after Apple inadvertently released a beta firmware to all AirPods Pro 2 owners and comes just before the much-anticipated iOS 18.1 rollout.
## What’s Included in the AirPods Pro 2 Firmware Update?
While Apple has not shared explicit details regarding the enhancements in this firmware update, speculation suggests it may be tied to the forthcoming hearing aid functionalities expected with iOS 18.1. These features form part of Apple’s wider effort to transform AirPods Pro 2 into a more comprehensive resource for hearing health.
With the iOS 18.1 update, AirPods Pro 2 will acquire the capability to serve as hearing aid devices. Apple has described this innovation as the first “all-in-one hearing health experience,” concentrating on three essential aspects: prevention, awareness, and assistance.
### Main Features of the Hearing Aid Functionality
1. **Prevention**:
– The ear tips of the AirPods Pro 2 deliver passive noise cancellation, while the H2 chip actively mitigates louder, sporadic sounds at an impressive rate of 48,000 times per second. Known as Hearing Protection, this feature is enabled by default across all listening modes, proving beneficial in noisy settings. Additionally, a newly developed multiband high dynamic range algorithm further enhances this functionality.
2. **Awareness**:
– Users can undergo a clinical-grade hearing assessment in approximately five minutes using the AirPods Pro 2. This evaluation is founded on pure-tone audiometry, a recognized clinical standard. Following the test, users are provided with a summary of their outcomes, including a hearing loss classification for each ear along with tailored recommendations.
3. **Assistance**:
– The AirPods Pro 2 can evolve into a clinical-grade hearing aid utilizing the customized hearing profile created from the hearing assessment. This feature adjusts the ambient sound around the user in real-time, amplifying specific sounds to assist users in engaging in conversations and remaining aware of their surroundings.
## How to Update AirPods Pro 2 Firmware
Regrettably, there is no direct way to manually update the firmware on AirPods. Apple indicates that firmware updates are applied automatically when the AirPods connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth. To facilitate the update, it is advisable to leave both the AirPods and iPhone charging together for at least half an hour.
To verify if your AirPods Pro 2 have obtained the latest firmware update, follow these steps:
1. Open the **Settings** application on your iPhone.
2. Go to the **Bluetooth** section.
3. Locate your AirPods Pro 2 in the list of connected devices.
4. Tap the “**i**” icon adjacent to your AirPods to check the current firmware version.
If your AirPods have not updated yet, you will need to wait for the process to finalize automatically, as Apple restricts users from manually initiating firmware updates.
## Conclusion
The recent firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 signifies an exciting advancement, especially with the approaching launch of iOS 18.1, which will bring forth new hearing aid features. These updates reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its devices, making them increasingly beneficial in daily life, especially for individuals with hearing challenges.
As always, should we uncover any new features or modifications in this firmware version, we will revise this article to keep you updated.
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*Image Credit: Christian de Looper for BGR*
