AirPods are about to take a major new step in their evolution. After introducing features related to hearing health this year, the Cupertino company seems to want to transform its wireless headphones into real connected health devices, like what it did with the Apple Watch during the last decade.
New health features in preparation
According to information from Bloomberg’s Mark GurmanApple is currently working on several health features for its future AirPods. Priority is given to the development of a reliable heart rate sensor. Although internal testing shows that the Apple Watch remains more accurate in this area, the results with AirPods are encouraging. This new function could appear as early as the AirPods Pro 3, currently at the start of development.
Other innovations are also being studied, including a body temperature sensor and various unspecified physiological measurements. These additions would provide an alternative or complement to the Apple Watch for users wishing to track their health data without wearing a connected watch. However, we can question the relevance of data from a device that we do not wear all the time – unlike a Watch – and which would, in addition, be less precise than existing solutions.
Integrated cameras for artificial intelligence
In another register, Apple is relaunching a previously abandoned project: the integration of miniature cameras in AirPods. This initiative, now considered a priority by Apple’s hardware development and AI teams, is part of the company’s broader strategy around its Apple Intelligence platform.
However, this technology should not see the light of day for a few years, if the project is not put on hold again. Details on the precise use of these cameras remain unclear, but they could be used to improve spatial audio through better analysis of the user’s environment via infrared sensors.
Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2, planned for 2025, will also include heart rate tracking during exercise. These headphones will be able to connect to fitness equipment like treadmills, and the data will be visible in the iPhone’s Health app.
This evolution of AirPods towards a more complete health device marks a strategic turning point for Apple, which continues to enrich its ecosystem of connected products dedicated to well-being and health. Are you looking forward to tracking your heart rate with your headphones?
