Global headphone unit shipments has grown considerably from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, 553 million headphones were shipped worldwide, up from around 309.5 million recorded at the beginning of the given period. The Global Wireless Earbuds Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 24.28% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. The launch of AirPods by Apple in 2016 created a buzz in the market, due to which widespread adoption of wireless earphones among consumers augmented.
Earlier this week the company updated the AirPods Pro 2, touting a pending software upgrade that will let people test their hearing and then get assisted listening for everyday life as well as streaming online.
For the record, The U.S. earphone and headphone market size was valued at USD 13.17 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030. The U.S. accounted for 18.4% of the global earphone and headphone market.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday authorized the hearing aid feature for the devices, noting that a study showed users found them as beneficial as professionally fitted ones.
"Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans," said FDA acting director Michelle Tarver. Apple's software "advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss," Tarver added.
This technology could lead the way for more innovation in the consumer hearing market.
AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249, considerably lower than the average price of clinical-grade hearing aids, but those interested will need to adopt Apple's devices. Many products compete with Apple AirPods, including: Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds.
A successor to the WF-1000XM4, these earbuds are described as spacious, balanced, and engaging. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
These earbuds are smaller and lighter than most competitors.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds. These earbuds are considered a better option for noise cancellation than Apple AirPods. Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds. These earbuds are in direct competition with Apple's AirPods Pro.
Along with the new feature, the AirPods Pro 2, used with iPhones or iPads, will be able to test hearing and create a user's hearing profile stored privately in an Apple Health app.
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