AirPods: New button for AirPods 4, hearing aid approval for AirPods Pro 2
Apple has redesigned the AirPods 4 more than expected. This doesn't just affect the earplugs themselves. The AirPods Pro 2 have been approved as hearing aids.
AirPods 4 from Apple: Also available with ANC for an extra charge.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's new AirPods 4, which are also available with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), have a new type of charging case. This not only has a new form factor, but also contains a hidden button. This is what visitors to Apple's journalist and analyst hands-on on Monday learned.
A button that you can't see
The Charging Case is the smallest and lightest that Apple has ever produced for AirPods. Nevertheless, it comes with a USB-C port and integrated speaker for quick location via the "Where is?" function. What seems to be missing at first glance, however, is the button for resetting or connecting the earbuds to a device. On an iPhone, this is normally very easy: you just have to hold the AirPods to the device and the connection dialog appears. On other systems, however, the configuration button is required.
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Apple has not forgotten this button. Instead, it has been integrated in the form of a capacitive surface directly below the status LED. Pairing mode is apparently triggered by a double tap as long as the charging case is open. A reset should also be possible via the capacitive surface – How exactly is still unclear. The LED itself is only visible when the cover is open. Apple will be selling both versions of the AirPods 4 from September 20. The version without ANC costs 149 euros, the one with ANC 50 euros more.
AirPods Pro 2: hearing aid function approved
Meanwhile, there is good news for users of the AirPods Pro 2: they can be used as a hearing aid in future. Approval has now been granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is described as the first "over the counter" software (i.e. non-prescription software) that can be used as a hearing aid.
This is said to work for "moderate to moderate" hearing loss. Apple is also providing a hearing test for the AirPods Pro 2, which will be part of iOS. The company had previously conducted hearing studies. The hearing aid will be added to existing devices via firmware –, which will hopefully be delivered soon – and will not cost anything extra. The function will also be available in Europe.
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