Why is Apple, one of the biggest and most valuable names in technology, turning its bestselling headphones into lower-cost hearing aids? Because the company has been steadily expanding its reach

Owners of AirPods Pro 2 in the United Kingdom can use the earbuds as hearing aids, with Apple bringing the feature live in the country a few months after the United States.

While not a remedy to severe hearing loss, this feature could be a great help to those afflicted with mild to moderate hearing loss. And for many people, a pair of AirPods will be a lot less daunting – and more stylish and user friendly – than a hearing aid.