Apple's upcoming AirPods Pro to redefine wireless earbuds with health capabilities
Delhi : Apple AirPods have become the epitome of wireless earbuds, dominating the market with staggering sales of $12.1 billion in 2021. While the AirPods offer unparalleled popularity, they lack noise cancellation capabilities. This is where the AirPods Pro step in. Launched in 2019, the AirPods Pro feature an in-ear design with ear tips for a secure fit. With Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio, the AirPods Pro offer enhanced functionality. Building upon their success, Apple is rumored to be working on introducing groundbreaking health features in its upcoming iteration of AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro as a Potential Hearing Aid
According to reports, the next generation of AirPods Pro could incorporate health-related features, including the ability to assess hearing loss. Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, suggests that Apple might integrate its audiogram feature, which allows users to tune their earphones based on their hearing, directly into the operating system. This move could position the AirPods Pro as a multifunctional device, potentially serving as a hearing aid.
Temperature Sensor for Accurate Health Tracking
In addition to addressing hearing loss, the next AirPods Pro may include a sensor that enables users to monitor their body temperature through the ear canal. This innovative feature could offer precise temperature tracking and help individuals identify potential illnesses. To support these functionalities, Apple might leverage the upcoming iOS 17 update, announced during the company's WWDC 2023 event.
Potential Shift to USB Type-C Charging
Notably, Apple is also considering equipping the next AirPods Pro with a USB Type-C charging port instead of its proprietary lightning port. This move aligns with the EU legislation and Apple's purported plan to transition its iPhones to USB Type-C. While this change may be on the horizon, it remains uncertain whether it will be part of the next generation of AirPods Pro or introduced solely through a new charging case.
Expected Launch and Timeline
Although the rumored features are exciting, consumers should not expect the next AirPods Pro to hit the market anytime soon. Gurman suggests that the release of the next AirPods Pro might be "several months or even years away," with a potential interim launch of a newer version featuring the USB Type-C port. This aligns with previous claims by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who anticipated the arrival of AirPods with USB Type-C later this year.
Conclusion
Apple's next iteration of AirPods Pro holds the promise of revolutionizing the wireless earbud market. With potential health-focused features such as assessing hearing loss and monitoring body temperature, the AirPods Pro could redefine their role beyond just audio accessories. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the forthcoming launch, keeping an eye on any updates that could signify the arrival of these groundbreaking features.
