Apple’s AirPods may receive a significant software update with the launch of iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC on June 10. Rumors suggest that the company is focusing on health and wellness features for its wearable products, including the AirPods.
Apple has been exploring various aspects of health with its products, 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 integration of health sensors in AirPods could be beneficial for users looking for a cost-effective entry point into Apple’s wearable line.
In a recent episode of One More Thing, rumors about the upcoming AirPods were discussed, including a potential hearing aid mode that may be launched with iOS 18. There is speculation that in the future, AirPods could integrate additional sensors like 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 materialized yet. However, other earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum Sport already offer these features.
Rumors about AirPods also suggest that they could become another key product for Apple in the health domain. 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.