Apple’s AirPods to Get Health-focused Update in Upcoming iOS 18 Release?

Apple’s AirPods may receive a significant software update with the announcement of iOS 18 at WWDC on June 10. The company has been focusing on various aspects of health, 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 potentially become another key product for Apple in the health domain.

Rumors about the upcoming AirPods have been circulating, 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, 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 materialized yet. However, other earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum Sport already offer these features.

The integration of health sensors in AirPods could be beneficial, especially for users looking for a cost-effective 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.