Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
December 24, 2024
While the Apple Watch already offers various health tracking tools, including ECG and heart rate monitoring, the potential introduction of these features in AirPods Pro would broaden Apple’s healthcare offerings.
Apple is reportedly adding significant health monitoring capabilities to its upcoming AirPods Pro.
Reportedly, the tech giant is testing heart rate and temperature sensing features for the next version of the earbuds, signaling a major shift towards integrating more health-related functionalities into its audio products.
While the Apple Watch already offers various health tracking tools, including ECG and heart rate monitoring, the potential introduction of these features in AirPods Pro would broaden Apple’s healthcare offerings.
Apple’s next-generation AirPods Pro may soon offer health features traditionally seen in wearables such as smartwatches.
The company is exploring heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing for its upcoming earbuds, which could provide users with a convenient and non-intrusive way to monitor their health.
Although heart rate tracking is currently more accurate on the Apple Watch, the AirPods Pro are reportedly showing promising results in early tests.
“While the Apple Watch remains more precise for heart rate tracking, the AirPods are closing the gap with readings that are approaching accuracy,” the report added.
The inclusion of these features could make the AirPods Pro an essential tool for individuals looking for continuous health monitoring without the need for additional wearables.
In addition to the health monitoring capabilities, Apple is also reportedly considering integrating cameras into the AirPods Pro. This would not only enhance the AI functionalities but also open up new possibilities for augmented reality (AR) and other smart features.
Despite the long timeline for the potential introduction of a camera, the company is reportedly prioritizing the integration of health features such as heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing for the next iteration of AirPods Pro, which is expected to be released sooner.
Apple has already made significant strides in incorporating healthcare-focused features into its products.
The AirPods Pro 2, for example, introduced a hearing aid feature in 2023 designed to assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The device received FDA authorization, making it one of the first consumer audio products to offer hearing aid-like functionality.
Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 include hearing protection tools, which automatically adjust the volume to protect users from high-decibel sounds. This combination of features positions the AirPods as a versatile health tool, expanding their role beyond just entertainment and communication devices.