I bought AirPods Pro 2 specifically for the hearing aids feature, only to find it is not accessible in the UK. What is Apple doing about this? Have they applied to UK health authority and what is the timetable?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18
Review these 2 articles dated January 17, that report it should be available in weeks. The exact date cannot be determined because it requires a software update and those must first go through the standard testing and beta process before it is released. Currently iOS 18.4 is in beta and the release date has not been given or what is included as discussions of beta software is prohibited on this support site. Unfortunately speculation is not allowed either, but you can find many sites are reporting that it should be expected this week. We will have to wait and see.
Also note that the EU had the same opportunity to have the feature approved back in September as did over 100 other countries where it was available on launch date. Why that was not done seems to be confirmed that the EU had blocked the feature. You can blame whoever you wish for that.
I'm based in the UK and frustrated by this too - I recently bought my AirPods Pro 2 for this function. I spoke to a specialist in Apple's health unit today and pointed out that the regulations preventing Apple enabling this functionality were cancelled on 16th January 2025. Basically he didn't have any idea when the update would take place! I suppose the fact that Apple have enabled the Hearing Test is a step in the right direction but it certainly isn't the service I'd expect. I have four different Apple devices and it makes me think that loyalty isn't being rewarded...
I'm based in the UK and frustrated by this too - I recently bought my AirPods Pro 2 for this function. I spoke to a specialist in Apple's health unit today and pointed out that the regulations preventing Apple enabling this functionality were cancelled on 16th January 2025. Basically he didn't have any idea when the update would take place! I suppose the fact that Apple have enabled the Hearing Test is a step in the right direction but it certainly isn't the service I'd expect. I have four different Apple devices and it makes me think that loyalty isn't being rewarded...
It has nothing to do with Apple. It's the typical government red tape by the MHRA. It was announced in the Telegraph about 4 weeks ago that it is on its way. I posted the article at the time.
Any of your Apple devices NOT on 18.1? If so you can set the AirPods up as hearing aids with your older device.
Connect the via Bluetooth to the device.
Go to Settings/Accessibility/Audio & Visual/Headphone Accommodations
You will need the Mimi app to do your hearing test.
I personally don't know but my guess is within 2025.
When will the hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 be available in the UK?
