Apple Eyes Health Features for AirPods With Heart Rate Monitor and More

In a recent edition of Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, veteran tech journalist Mark Gurman provided fresh insights into Apple’s latest endeavors concerning health features for its AirPods. This follows earlier reports hinting at Apple’s intention to integrate health-tracking capabilities into the popular wireless earbuds, but Gurman’s update reveals a clearer picture of what users might expect in the future.

Apple is reportedly focused on developing various health features that include a heart-rate monitor, a temperature sensor, and a suite of new sensors capable of tracking numerous physiological measures. Currently, the company appears to be prioritizing the heart-rate sensor, which is at the forefront of their health technology advancements.

Internal testing has indicated promising results, with Apple registering increasingly accurate heart-rate data from its Apple Watch. Significantly, this suggests that AirPods might not be too far behind in this regard. However, specifics on the additional health features remain sparse, and a definitive timeline for their release is yet to be confirmed. Gurman suggests that these advancements could debut with the anticipated AirPods Pro 3, which is already generating interest among consumers.

In addition to health monitoring, Apple is also revisiting a project that involves integrating cameras into the AirPods. While this initiative was previously shelved, it gained traction again amid Apple’s renewed commitment to developing products aligned with the burgeoning field of AI. According to Gurman, this camera integration is viewed as a priority by both the AirPods hardware development teams and Apple’s AI divisions, though it is still projected to take a few years before reaching consumers, assuming it doesn’t face another cancellation.

Notably, the progress in health technology is evident, as Apple recently rolled out a firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 earlier this year. This update incorporated hearing health features that enabled users to utilize their AirPods as an FDA-certified hearing aid. This development underscores Apple’s strategic shift toward a more health-oriented approach, implying that additional health features for users without an Apple Watch are both logical and likely in the pipeline.

As Apple continues to innovate and broaden its product functionality, the integration of health features into AirPods signifies a transformative period for the brand. Consumers are anxious to see how these promising advancements will shape the future of wearable technology, particularly as the demand for health monitoring grows in an age focused on personal wellness and fitness tracking. In summary, Apple appears committed to expanding the capabilities of its AirPods, making them not just audio devices but also valuable health companions for users in the years to come.