Joe Biden Engineered Apple's New AirPods

Apple has announced a new feature for its AirPods Pro 2, allowing them to function as FDA-approved hearing aids. This development follows the FDA's decision to permit over-the-counter sales of hearing aids, which was influenced by legislative efforts to dismantle a long-standing cartel that kept prices high. The AirPods will receive a software update enabling users to take a hearing test through the Apple Health app, which will adjust sound levels based on the results. This move is seen as a significant step towards making hearing aids more accessible and affordable, as traditional devices often cost thousands of dollars and required prescriptions. The push for regulatory change began years ago, culminating in the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which aimed to introduce competition in the market. The Biden administration's recent pressure on the FDA to implement these changes has been pivotal in this process. The article highlights the interplay between technology, law, and market dynamics, suggesting that the new AirPods are a product of both engineering innovation and legislative reform.

- Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 will soon function as FDA-approved hearing aids.

- The feature is enabled by the FDA's decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aids.

- The development follows years of advocacy for regulatory changes to reduce hearing aid costs.

- Users can take a hearing test via the Apple Health app to customize sound settings.

- The Biden administration played a key role in pushing for the implementation of these changes.