In his recent newsletter, Power On, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to upgrade their AirPods to become a health tool in the next couple of years. According to Gurman, this upgrade would involve providing users with the ability to receive hearing data in some form. The AirPods have already moved in the direction of focusing on hearing health by adding Live Listen and Conversation Boost features, but they are not yet approved by the FDA and cannot be used as a hearing aid replacement.
To make the AirPods more health-focused, Apple is planning to incorporate biometric sensors, motion detectors, and temperature monitors that will detect heart rate, perspiration, and other vital signs. Vice President of Technology, Kevin Lynch, has hinted at more health data to come, suggesting that Apple is committed to expanding their health-focused capabilities beyond what they currently offer.
Interestingly, users of current AirPods models will not need to wait for the next-generation AirPods to access the new features. The existing speakers and microphones on current models can support the features, and firmware updates will be made available to enable them.
Apple’s AirPods have become increasingly popular since their launch in 2016, thanks in part to their innovative design and functionality. The AirPods have become more than just a wireless earbud, with a range of features such as noise cancellation, Siri integration, and the ability to switch seamlessly between devices. If Apple follows through on their plans to incorporate health-focused features into the AirPods, it could mark a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to improving user health and well-being.
Despite the exciting news of AirPods becoming more advanced, Apple’s AirPods line-up is not expected to be refreshed until next year, according to reputable Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo. Mass shipments of the next-gen AirPods are likely to begin in either H2 2024 or H1 2025. This means that users will have to wait a bit longer to see the full potential of the new health-focused AirPods.
