AirPods Pro 2 Get FDA Approval as Hearing Aids. Here’s Why That Matters, and Why It’s the Most Important Announcement Apple Made at Their September Event

The Most Important Announcement

Despite all the fanfare around Apple events, I think this announcement flew somewhat under the radar, even though it could be transformative.

As Andy Ihnatko said, "this is arguably the most important announcement made at Apple's September event."

With the second generation of AirPods Pro, Apple users can now access hearing aid functionality through a free software update.

This update enables the AirPods to conduct a hearing test and adjust audio settings to improve hearing. For me, this feature could be life-changing for those who’ve avoided traditional hearing aids due to cost or stigma.

De-Stigmatizing Assistive Devices

Traditional hearing aids come with a high price tag and a social stigma that many would rather avoid. By building hearing aid functionality into something as universally accepted as AirPods, Apple is helping to break down these barriers.

“There are a lot of people saying an AirPod user would feel a lot less stigma than someone who doesn’t want to have a hearing aid,” one of the hosts noted.

I think this is true because AirPods are everywhere now, and people are comfortable using them. This subtle shift could make a real difference for those who need hearing assistance but haven’t taken that step.

Unmatched Value at $249

At $249, the AirPods Pro are remarkably affordable compared to traditional hearing aids, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Even reputable over-the-counter hearing aids from brands like Sony or Sennheiser cost more than $1,000, so Apple’s offering feels like an incredible deal.

Accessibility and Convenience

What excites me most about this advancement is its accessibility. Nearly anyone can benefit from this new feature with minimal investment.

People who might otherwise avoid a hearing test can now do so with their AirPods Pro, potentially catching hearing issues early and addressing them more effectively.

As Andy put it, “this just stinkin’ swerves the whole gatekeeping situation.”

Expanding Health Innovations

To me, this update reflects Apple’s dedication to improving healthcare access through technology. With rising medical costs, this kind of democratizing innovation is more important than ever.

Andy continued, “this is the democratization of healthcare access that I think is so important as costs continue to climb.” For $250, users get a device that could improve their quality of life, bypassing traditional healthcare gatekeeping.

Ease of Adoption

What makes this even more appealing is how easy it is to try. With Apple’s two-week, no-questions-asked return policy, people can test these new hearing aid features without any long-term commitment. I think this low barrier will encourage more people to give hearing support a try.

Changing Perceptions and Behavior

I believe the potential for AirPods Pro to serve as an assistive device could change cultural perceptions around hearing loss and the use of hearing aids.

Jason Snell of Six Colors commented, “Maybe it will be like that where you realize, ‘Oh, I’m in a loud environment, and I can’t hear this person clearly, so I’m going to put my AirPods in.’”

If more people start using AirPods this way, I can see it leading to broader acceptance of assistive technologies.

Apple’s Trusted Reputation

Apple’s reputation for quality and innovation makes people more likely to try this feature. I know I trust Apple to deliver a reliable solution, which makes this update even more exciting for me.

“Apple’s reputation gives it a lot of grace in terms of the likelihood that these features will be implemented in a way that’s very effective for many people,” one host noted.

The Bigger Picture

For me, this update isn’t just about selling AirPods or other devices. It’s about Apple’s larger goal of improving lives through technology. By making such a simple software update into a life-changing feature, Apple is showing its commitment to the social good.

The AirPods Pro update is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a step toward making healthcare more inclusive and accessible. Whether you already own a pair of AirPods Pro or you're considering them, I think this feature is worth exploring. This could make a big difference in daily life.