Apple is rumored to unveil iOS 18 at WWDC on June 10, and there are indications that AirPods may receive a significant software update. Apple’s focus on health has been evident in various aspects such as heart health with the Apple Watch, mobility with walking steadiness-detection on the iPhone, and safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS. The AirPods could be another vital product for Apple in the health domain.
In a recent episode of One More Thing, there were discussions about the upcoming AirPods and speculations about a potential hearing aid mode that could be launched with iOS 18. Rumors suggest that in the future, AirPods could integrate additional sensors, such as an EEG for detecting brain activity. While Apple filed a patent in 2023 showing such a sensor embedded in earbuds, rumors of the AirPods Pro receiving a heart rate and body temperature sensor have not surfaced yet. However, other earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum Sport already offer these features.
The integration of health sensors in AirPods could be beneficial for users looking for an affordable entry point into Apple’s wearable line. Even if some of these patents do not come to fruition, Apple’s exploration of turning wearables into comprehensive health tools is promising. This shift from entertainment and second-screen devices to health-focused tools demonstrates Apple’s commitment to enhancing the health and wellness capabilities of its products.