Apple is rumored to be working on several upgrades for its AirPods, including a built-in hearing test feature. This test would help assess a person’s hearing capabilities and identify any difficulties they may have. Currently, Apple offers accessibility features that enhance audio output for individuals with hearing challenges. The AirPods can also be used with the Mimi app to assess hearing capacity. However, if this new feature becomes available in future AirPods, it would eliminate the need for the Mimi app.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly exploring the possibility of having its future AirPods models function as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. OTC hearing aids have gained popularity recently, with the introduction of the first pair featuring the Sennheiser brand. A dual-purpose device like AirPods with hearing aid functionality could be more appealing to consumers than dedicated hearing aids. In addition to offering more capabilities, it would also eliminate any stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Apple has collaborated with experts from the hearing aids industry to explore this possibility, but there is no information yet on when this functionality might be available, if at all.