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The next generation of Apple's popular earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, might be getting a major upgrade that goes beyond just sound.
According to reports from well-known sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new earbuds could be equipped with advanced health sensors, so they can used for monitoring your body's well-being.
From Audio to Health
The most prominent rumour is that the AirPods Pro 3 will include an in-ear heart rate sensor. This isn't entirely new territory for Apple, as its Powerbeats Pro 2 already has this feature. The technology uses LED optical sensors that measure the flow of blood during a workout, providing accurate heart data.
Howver, MacRumors reported that the Powerbeats Pro 2 was heavily criticised for not being to play audio while simultaneously connected to gym equipment for heart rate monitoring, a limitation Apple themselves has confirmed.
"You cannot listen to music with your iPhone while also paired with the gym equipment for heart rate," Apple explained in a query.
The big challenge for Apple will be ensuring that the earbuds can seamlessly stream music and track health data at the same time without any hitches.
Temperature Sensors Too?
Gurman also reports that Apple is exploring other biometric sensors for future AirPods, such as an in-ear temperature sensor. This technology could offer a faster and more reliable way to take your body's temperature than the wrist-based sensors on the Apple Watch.
Furthermore, reports from Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that Apple is also working on adding infrared (IR) cameras to the AirPods. While this sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, the cameras could be used to detect simple in-air hand gestures for controlling your music, enhance the immersive sound of Spatial Audio, or even detect changes in your environment for Apple's AI features.
This rumoured push into health features shows that Apple is trying to make its earbuds an even more central part of its ecosystem. By adding sensors to the AirPods, Apple is giving users another option for tracking their health, especially for activities where a watch might not be ideal.
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