Did you happen to catch Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10? Given all of the rumours about Apple’s potential new “Hearing Aid Mode,” we were on the edge of our seats, waiting for the big reveal so we could pass any updates on to you.
As expected, Apple’s conference showcased many cool new updates. The new “Apple Intelligence” feature seemed to be the star of the show, promising iPhone users a powerful AI tool right in their pockets.
What was surprising, though, was the lack of conversation around “Hearing Aid Mode.” In fact, nothing at all was said about this much-anticipated hearing health feature.
Apple did introduce two new hearing-related features. While these features are impressive, they don’t quite live up to the expectations we had for “Hearing Aid Mode.”
Voice Isolation Feature
The first new feature is a “Voice Isolation Feature,” which is intended to help reduce background noise. Apple Airpods already have active noise-cancellation capabilities, but this feature aims to enhance the capabilities and cut out wind and other ambient noises during phone calls.
This is a helpful feature for anyone who struggles to hear phone conversations clearly in noisy environments, making calls less frustrating.
Music Haptics
The second feature is specifically designed for those who are hard of hearing. “Music Haptics” works by playing taps, textures, and refined vibrations in sync with music audio.
This allows individuals who have trouble hearing to experience music in a unique way – not only through sound, but through tactile feedback. Individuals can feel the rhythm and vibrations of their favourite songs.
What Happened to Hearing Aid Mode?
So, what happened to the much-anticipated “Hearing Aid Mode”? Well, it would seem that Apple isn’t quite ready to release the feature to the public yet. Despite the accurate track record of Chief Correspondent Mark Gurman in reporting Apple news, he may have missed the mark this time.
Gurman’s prediction sparked significant speculation about “Hearing Aid Mode,” but Apple has left us wondering when we will hear more details.
The absence of “Hearing Aid Mode” raises some questions, and we can only speculate about the answers at this time. Could Apple be holding back this announcement for the launch of their 3rd Generation Apple AirPods Pro? This scenario seems likely to us.
Another possibility is that “Hearing Aid Mode” will be a part of Apple’s iOS 19 launch in 2025. Alternatively, Apple could be planning to integrate hearing aid functionalities subtly through a combination of their existing tools and features, gradually enhancing the user experience.
The Future of Hearing Health at Apple
Apple has continued to release health and wellness-related features throughout the years, including fall detection, ECG monitoring, and blood oxygen level measurement technologies. The release of their new voice isolation and music haptics features showcases Apple’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Although “Hearing Aid Mode” isn’t available just yet, it’s clear that Apple is exploring ways to improve the lives of those with hearing impairments.
We’re eagerly waiting to see how the newest features perform and what users think of them. We’ll be watching the news for updates on “Hearing Aid Mode,” as well as any other innovations from Apple in the realm of hearing health.
Rest assured, we’ll continue to keep you updated on any developments, and we’ll share our experiences with these new features.
If you have any questions we may be able to answer or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, give our office a call at (226) 674-1127 or request a callback and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.
