Apple has already shown its capabilities in the healthcare sector, with a number of health diagnostics and monitoring features introduced into its products . Its next goal is to integrate medical functions into AirPods.
According to reports from DigiTimes, Apple may release AirPods with health-related features. This could happen by 2021 or 2022. Reports say that these features will be developed with the help of ambient light sensors (ALS), as well as with the help of ASE Technology. The Taiwan-based company is rumored to be in charge of manufacturing such sensors, while Apple already uses them in TrueTone display technology.
The DigiTimes report says that ALS sensors are expected to be integrated into the next generation of AirPods in the next 1-2 years. It is likely that ASE Technology will take over the process support for the new feature.
The upgraded AirPods, with sensors, could potentially have the ability to monitor heart rates, count steps, and detect other medical conditions. They could also perform intelligent translation and detect head movements.
It should be noted here that in 2016 Apple talked about creating headphones that would monitor health using biometric sensors.
While DigiTimes has reported a lot of news about Apple's plans, it has recently published predictions that have not come true. However, Apple is constantly developing medical functions in its products, so the day when we could see AirPods with these features may not be too far away.
All we can do is wait and see if the rumors are true, and that will happen when we see an official announcement from Apple.
