Apple is preparing major new software updates for release next week. One of them will be new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 that enable key iOS 18.1 features related to hearing health. Here’s the build number to look out for as you await the AirPods update.

iOS 18.1’s AirPods Pro features require upcoming firmware update

Today Apple released the iOS 18.1 RC version for both developers and public beta users. As part of that update, the release notes detailed exactly what to expect for next week’s AirPods Pro 2 update.

Apple will release its new iOS 18.1 hearing health features as part of firmware version 7B19 for AirPods Pro 2. So that’s the build number to look out for.

To check your current firmware, you can open your AirPods Pro’s settings from inside the Settings app, then scroll to the bottom to the Version section.

The last public build of AirPods Pro 2 firmware was 7A305.

What’s coming to AirPods Pro 2

Here are the full iOS 18.1 release notes for what AirPods Pro 2 users can expect:

• Hearing Test feature provides scientifically-validated hearing test results from the comfort of home (intended for users 18 years or older)
• Hearing Aid feature provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that is automatically applied to sounds in your environment as well as music, videos, and calls (intended for users 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss)
• Hearing Protection feature helps users minimize exposure to loud environmental noise across listening modes (available in the United States and Canada)

Apple’s hearing health features will be exclusive to AirPods Pro 2, with no other AirPods devices supporting them at this time.

Are you interested in trying the new hearing health features? Let us know in the comments.

Best AirPods Pro accessories