Introduction
Apple continues to break boundaries in the technology industry, with their next AirPods Pro rumored to host advanced health-tracking features. From the incorporation of temperature tracking to offering hearing health tests, Apple plans to elevate the functionality of their next-generation earbuds, all tied to iOS 17. The new AirPods are also expected to adopt USB-C charging across all models.
Table of Contents
Health Features: Temperature Tracking and Hearing Tests
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple’s future AirPods will be capable of assessing a user’s hearing health and body temperature. The earbuds are designed to test a person’s hearing by playing various tones and sounds. While Apple’s current headphones already support audiograms (or audio profiles), this feature is currently only available through a separate app, Mimi. The upcoming generation of AirPods intends to incorporate this function directly into the earbuds, making them more akin to Jabra’s Elite 75t earbuds that feature MySound.
In addition to hearing tests, the next AirPods will also include a temperature tracking feature. Engineers are working to add sensors that would allow the AirPods to measure body temperature through the user’s ear canal, a method believed to offer more accurate readings than those taken at the wrist—a feature introduced with the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra.
Doubling as Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Another exciting development from Apple involves the potential for AirPods to function as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. With the FDA recently approving OTC sales of hearing aids without an exam or prescription, Apple is poised to take advantage of this trend. The tech giant has already onboarded engineers from traditional hearing aid manufacturers to achieve this ambition. If realized, this feature could drastically impact the hearing aid market, particularly in countries like the US, where FDA guidelines currently encourage growth in this sector.
USB-C Charging and iOS 17 Compatibility
It’s also noteworthy that Apple is projected to incorporate USB-C charging for all models of AirPods moving forward. This move aligns with rumors that Apple plans to transition from its proprietary Lightning cable to USB-C, beginning with the upcoming iPhone 15 series.
The health features will be tied to iOS 17, with Apple planning to release new AirPods features to coincide with the launch of the iOS 17 this fall. At WWDC 2023, Apple previewed Adaptive Audio, a feature that analyzes your environment to toggle between noise cancellation and transparency modes.
Delays in Release and Future Expectations
However, these health features are reportedly several months or even years away. Given the three-year upgrade cycle of AirPods and the recent debut of the AirPods Pro 2, it’s less likely that these features will become available in 2023 or 2024.
In the meantime, Apple has teased new functionality tied to the long-awaited Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. While the headset comes with in-built speakers, the pairing algorithm with the second-generation AirPods Pro suggests an even more immersive audio experience.
Conclusion
While we eagerly await these exciting features, it’s clear that the upcoming AirPods are set to revolutionize the wearable technology market. With the potential inclusion of temperature tracking, hearing tests, and OTC hearing aid functionality, the future of Apple’s AirPods holds much promise. As Apple continues to explore the intersection of health and technology, we can expect more cutting-edge developments that enhance user experiences and contribute to personal well-being.
Source : Bloomberg
