When Apple introduced a software update enabling hearing aid features for its AirPods Pro 2, it was celebrated as a groundbreaking innovation in making assistive technology more accessible. The update, which turned the widely available earbuds into a potential low-cost alternative to traditional hearing aids, sparked hope for countless individuals looking for affordable solutions to improve hearing.
However, for some users, the excitement quickly gave way to disappointment. In India, for instance, Rithwik Jayasimha purchased a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for his grandmother, only to discover that the highly anticipated hearing aid feature was unavailable in the region. India was among several countries excluded from this update, leaving users like Jayasimha frustrated and underserved by a technology that had the potential to bridge a critical gap.
This unexpected limitation has highlighted the uneven accessibility of innovative health tech solutions, prompting individuals and communities to get creative in finding alternatives. In one inspiring example, a group of tech-savvy innovators took matters into their own hands, hacking AirPods to create affordable hearing aids for their loved ones.
The Team and Their Mission
For Rithwik Jayasimha, Arnav Bansal, and Rithvik Vibhu, the inspiration to innovate came from close to home. All three shared a common goal: to improve the lives of their grandmothers, who relied on hearing aids but often struggled with the outdated and cumbersome models available to them. When Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 introduced hearing aid features, the trio saw an opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to address this problem.
However, their plans hit an unexpected roadblock. Due to geolocation restrictions, the hearing aid functionality was unavailable in India, leaving the group frustrated by the inaccessibility of a feature that could have a profound impact. Determined not to let these limitations deter them, the three friends combined their expertise in hardware and software to find a solution.
Their mission went beyond creating a technological workaround—it was deeply personal. They aimed to make a tangible difference in their grandmothers’ daily lives while addressing a broader issue of accessibility in underserved regions. Their innovative approach and commitment to problem-solving reflect a belief that technology should empower people universally, irrespective of geographic boundaries.
By hacking the AirPods to bypass restrictions, they not only empowered their grandmothers but also set an example of how accessible tech can be reimagined and adapted to meet real-world needs.
The Geolocation Restrictions
Apple’s hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 represents a significant step forward in accessible technology, but it comes with limitations. The feature is unavailable in certain countries, including India, due to geolocation restrictions likely tied to regulatory compliance for medical devices. While the feature is enabled in over 100 countries, regions without necessary approvals are left out, frustrating users who cannot access the full potential of their devices.
To enforce these restrictions, Apple employs a layered approach to determine a device’s location. It combines data from IP addresses, GPS, Wi-Fi service set identifiers (SSIDs), and even time zone and region settings. This system ensures accuracy and makes it nearly impossible for users to spoof their location with basic software tricks, like changing an IP address or adjusting settings.
For users in restricted areas, like India, this creates a significant barrier. Despite having the same AirPods hardware as users in supported countries, they are unable to enable features that could dramatically improve quality of life. These restrictions highlight the complex intersection between global technology and regional regulations, leaving many users feeling left out and seeking creative ways to unlock the capabilities of the products they own.
Hacking Barriers: Unlocking AirPods’ Hearing Aid Features
Our hacky proof of concept was a Faraday cage built of aluminum foil, placed right above to the jammer–microwave that was turned on at full power
— Rithwik Jayasimha (@thel3l) November 12, 2024
It was literally as sketch as it looked: pic.twitter.com/61QRGFJNMA
When Apple’s geolocation restrictions blocked access to the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature in India, the trio set out to find a clever solution. Their goal was to unlock the feature without breaking the rules or compromising how the AirPods worked. After some trial and error, they came up with an ingenious workaround using everyday tools and a bit of technical know-how.
The first step was to understand how Apple determines a device’s location. They learned that iOS uses a mix of signals, like IP addresses, Wi-Fi networks, GPS, and nearby devices, to figure out where a device is. Simply changing the iPad’s region settings or hiding its IP address wasn’t enough to trick the system.
To block these signals entirely, the team built a Faraday cage—a type of enclosure that prevents devices from picking up any wireless signals. They created one using aluminum foil and a regular kitchen microwave, which also acted as a Wi-Fi jammer because it operates on a similar frequency. This setup ensured the iPad couldn’t detect any local networks or signals.
With the iPad completely isolated, they used software tools to make the device think it was in California, where the hearing aid feature was available. By combining the Faraday cage with this virtual location trick, they successfully unlocked the feature.
Over time, they improved their setup to make it simpler and more reliable. Their creative solution didn’t just benefit their grandmothers—it showed how technology can be adapted to solve real-world problems, even when faced with frustrating restrictions.
The Bigger Picture: Accessibility vs. Regulation
If you or a family member would benefit from being able to use Airpods Pro 2s as hearing aids in India, please reach out—we're going to be unlocking them for anyone who needs it (for free ofc) at our place in Koramangala
— Rithwik Jayasimha (@thel3l) November 12, 2024
DM me or send us a mail at: hi at lagrangepoint dot org
The team’s hack highlights a larger issue: the tension between accessibility and regulatory frameworks. While Apple’s hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 has the potential to improve lives, it is restricted in regions like India due to local regulations. These restrictions often stem from varying standards for medical devices, including rules on safety, health claims, and approval processes.
This creates a paradox where innovative features remain inaccessible to users who could benefit from them. It also raises questions about the control tech companies exert over devices, limiting how users can access features they’ve paid for.
Movements like right-to-repair and growing demands for user autonomy reflect consumers’ frustrations with such limitations. The team’s workaround underscores this sentiment, showing how individuals can challenge these barriers to access the technology they already own.
Their efforts spotlight the need for more inclusive and transparent technology, where access isn’t determined by geography or regulatory constraints.
Paving the Way for Accessible Technology
Rithwik, Arnav, and Rithvik’s creative hack stemmed from a deeply personal mission—to help their grandmas live more comfortably. When geolocation restrictions blocked access to the AirPods’ hearing aid feature, they didn’t see it as a technical problem but as a challenge to make life better for their loved ones. Their determination to find a solution highlights not just technical ingenuity but also the power of love and care to drive meaningful change.
They hope Apple will one day make this feature available in countries like India, removing the need for such workarounds. Until then, their efforts serve as an example of how compassion and creativity can overcome barriers. Their grandmothers are now enjoying the benefits of modern technology, and their success has inspired others to find ways to bridge similar gaps.
This story is a reminder that technology has its greatest impact when it serves humanity. By making accessibility a priority, companies can ensure that innovative features reach everyone, allowing families everywhere to connect and thrive, just like these grandmas and their devoted grandsons.
