Future AirPods to incorporate new sensors that may enable key health features
Apple is planning to update and expand its popular AirPods lineup over the next 18 months and, according to a report by DigiTimes (via MacRumors), future versions of the wireless earbuds could integrate additional sensors.
Future AirPods will incorporate ambient light sensors
The Taiwanese publication reports that Apple is planning to add “ambient light sensors” to upcoming versions of the earbuds within the next 1-2 years. The rumored 2021 AirPods and AirPods Pro could be the first to benefit from the upgrade.
Heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring might be planned for AirPods
Bloomberg reported two years ago that Apple was looking into the possibility of launching a pair of AirPods that featured a built-in heart rate monitor. Such a product has yet to materialize, but health features still appear to be very much in the works.
Ambient light sensors could play a crucial role in enabling both heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring on the wireless earbuds. The former is already offered on the Apple Watch and the latter is expected to debut on the Apple Watch Series 6.
By adding both to AirPods Apple could potentially open up its well-received health features to a much wider audience. Whether the Tim Cook-led company can make both features work without drastically modifying the AirPods designs remains to be seen, though.
Other possible health features for AirPods include the ability to detect temperate and perspiration levels through skin contact. Apple has patented a solution that would enable these but is yet to implement it.
Other upgrades are also expected
Aside from health features, the next-gen AirPods and AirPods Pro are expected to offer a range of upgrades. These should include a new audio chip – Apple H2 – that improves the audio quality and range at which the wearables can be used.
The third-generation AirPods will reportedly be introduced in the first quarter of 2021, presumably at the annual Apple event. The second-generation AirPods Pro, on the other hand, aren’t expected until the fourth quarter of 2021, which means they could arrive at an October event.