Apple’s AirPods Set to Receive Significant Software Update in Health-Focused iOS 18 Release

Apple’s AirPods are expected to receive a significant software update with the release of iOS 18, which will be announced at WWDC on June 10. Rumors suggest that the company is 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.

Apple has been exploring ways to integrate health sensors into its earbuds. In a recent episode of One More Thing, rumors about an upcoming hearing aid mode were discussed, suggesting that AirPods may become more than just a popular device for listening to music and taking calls. There are speculations 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.

If this integration happens, it would be beneficial 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.