Apple's popular AirPods may soon gain an exciting new health-tracking capability, according to recent findings in iOS 18 beta code. The tech giant appears to be developing heart rate monitoring functionality for its wireless earbuds, potentially transforming them into more comprehensive fitness devices.
Heart Rate Tracking Coming to AirPods?
Code discovered in the latest iOS 18 release candidate build suggests that future AirPods models could track users' heart rates during workouts. The feature would reportedly work when wearing both earbuds and send data directly to the Apple Health app.
While not officially confirmed by Apple, this functionality is rumored to debut with the AirPods Pro 3, expected to launch in fall 2025. Sources familiar with Apple's plans indicate the feature may also come to next-generation Powerbeats Pro earbuds.
How It Might Work
There are two potential approaches Apple could take to enable heart rate tracking in earbuds:
- Dedicated Sensors: Adding specialized heart rate monitoring hardware to the earbuds.
- Software Solution: Utilizing existing components through a technique called audioplethysmography (APG).
APG leverages the earbuds' speakers and microphones to send and analyze low-intensity ultrasound signals within the ear canal. Google has previously demonstrated this method's effectiveness in ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) earbuds, achieving high accuracy without significantly impacting battery life.
Expanding Health Features
This potential heart rate tracking addition aligns with Apple's broader strategy of enhancing the health and fitness capabilities of its devices. The company recently introduced hearing-related health features for the AirPods Pro 2, and rumors suggest more health-focused updates are in development.
Looking Ahead
While exciting, it's important to note that these features are still in development. Apple has not officially announced heart rate tracking for AirPods, and plans could change before any product launch. However, this leak provides an intriguing glimpse into how Apple might further blur the lines between its audio devices and dedicated health wearables in the future.