Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.1 update marks a significant moment for the AirPods Pro – it’s finally getting official recognition for its hearing protection capabilities. But the question remains: why did it take so long? For years, users have been experiencing the benefits of AirPods Pro’s noise cancellation firsthand, myself included.
Back in 2017, I owned a Harley-Davidson touring bike with loud aftermarket modifications. Unlike most motorcycles where wind noise is the biggest threat to hearing, my Harley’s engine roar was deafening. While I never measured the decibels, it was loud enough to cause ringing in my ears after just a 30-minute ride without earplugs. Then came the day I decided to try my AirPods Pro instead.
I was already impressed by their active noise cancellation in other situations, so I thought, why not? Plus, the ability to listen to music while riding was a bonus. The bike had its own stereo system, but why add more loud sound outside my helmet when I could enjoy better audio inside?
The results were astounding. The AirPods Pro effectively tamed the Harley’s exhaust and engine noise, reducing the volume by at least half, if not more. They offered far greater noise reduction than any earplugs I had used before.
Initially, I questioned if I was simply trading one form of hearing damage for another, one that was happening silently. However, an audiologist I consulted reassured me that the physics of anti-noise, where a sound wave is cancelled by its exact opposite, does indeed reduce the decibels reaching our ears.
While Apple has historically used general marketing terms like ‘Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation,’ concrete data was lacking. Fortunately, The Wirecutter’s 2023 test confirmed what my ears had been telling me – AirPods Pro in ANC mode can reduce 105dB sounds by 23dB, bringing the levels down to 82dB. That’s the difference between safe listening for less than 5 minutes and up to 40 hours.
With iOS 18, Apple is finally ready to publish some concrete numbers for the AirPods Pro 2’s ANC capabilities, and The Verge has already provided a detailed preview. Although I’ve traded my loud Harley for a quieter Honda, I’ll continue using my AirPods Pro while riding. After all, hearing is precious and worth protecting.
The delayed recognition of AirPods Pro’s hearing protection capabilities is a testament to the power of user experience. It took years, but Apple finally acknowledged what many of us already knew – AirPods Pro are not just great for listening to music, they’re also a valuable tool for protecting our hearing.