It’s been a busy fall for Apple software releases, and that’s set to continue. iOS 18.1 and more will arrive in the next couple weeks. But ahead of those updates, Apple has just released new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2—likely with support for the upcoming Hearing Health features.

New beta firmware was originally shipped as public release

Apple is expected to ship iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 as its next major software updates later this month. October 28 is the most likely date.

Ahead of those releases, AirPods Pro 2 have received a new beta firmware update. The new firmware is build number 7B5013d.

Originally the beta firmware was released to the public, but that seems to have been an accident.

New features coming to AirPods Pro 2

Apple has previously announced several new Hearing Health related features coming exclusively to the AirPods Pro 2. Today’s firmware perhaps lays the groundwork for those features ahead of iOS 18.1.

The new AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Health features include:

• Hearing Test
• Hearing Protection
• Media Assist
• Hearing Aid

These join the existing new features just added in iOS 18, such as Voice Isolation and support for non-verbal responses to Siri.

Have you installed the new firmware yet? Let us know of any changes you find.

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