The world of wearable technology has evolved rapidly in recent years. Apple, known for its innovative products, is about to take the next step in health monitoring - with AirPods! Until now, the AirPods have been appreciated mainly as high-quality wireless earbuds. But soon they will also function as wearable health devices, capable of measuring your heart rate and possibly even detecting heart disease.
Technology that directly impacts our health has become increasingly important in recent years. Apple was already a pioneer in health monitoring with its devices like the Apple Watch. With the latest developments in the AirPods, which are reported to soon include heart rate sensors, Apple wants to continue this success story. But what does this mean for you and how could this feature change your life? The upcoming update will not only bring new features to the AirPods Pro 3 but will also extend to other devices like the Powerbeats Pro. These new options will allow you to record important health data easily and conveniently.
AirPods with heart rate measurement – how does it work?
According to a previous reportAccording to a report by Apple that hints of such a feature were discovered in the iOS 18 code, Apple plans to equip future AirPods models with a heart rate sensor. This feature could be particularly beneficial for fitness enthusiasts who want to monitor their heart rate during exercise without having to wear additional devices. The integration of AirPods with Apple Health will allow you to conveniently manage your health data via your iPhone or Apple Watch. The code found in the beta version of iOS 18 describes how the earbuds should measure heart rate:
Wear both earbuds during exercise to measure your heart rate and send it to Apple Health.
With such a simple instruction, it is clear that Apple is focusing on user-friendliness and seamless integration into its ecosystem.
Health sensors – more than just heart rate
However, the big innovation that is supposed to come with the new AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro goes beyond simply measuring heart rate. A patent from Apple describes detailed how the built-in microphones in the AirPods could be used to detect heart disease. This involves analyzing microphone signals generated by heart activity in the ear. These signals are then analyzed using algorithms to detect signs of potential heart problems. Diseases such as coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias or even heart defects could be detected at an early stage. Particularly noteworthy is that Apple plans to use neural networks to identify blockages in the carotid artery - one of the most common causes of heart attacks and strokes.
What does this mean for you?
This could be a huge advantage for you as a user. Until now, the detection of heart disease was often only possible in clinics or with special devices. With the new AirPods, however, you would have a device that you use every day anyway to listen to music or make calls, which would also monitor your health. This could potentially alert you to health risks at an early stage, which could give you valuable time to seek medical advice. The ability to detect heart rate abnormalities such as bradycardia (a heartbeat that is too slow) or tachycardia (a heartbeat that is too fast) could be life-saving, especially for people with pre-existing conditions. In addition, constant monitoring of your heart rhythm could provide peace of mind, especially if you are concerned about your heart health.
What awaits us next year?
According to multiple sources, the AirPods Pro 3 will launch next year with groundbreaking health features. But it's not just these AirPods that will support the new technology - the next generation of Powerbeats Pro will also be equipped with the same sensors. This means that both fitness enthusiasts and people who just want to take care of their health can benefit from this innovation. Apple's focus on health is reflected in the constant development of its products, and with these new features, the AirPods could soon become an indispensable part of your health routine.
AirPods Pro 3: More than just headphones – a health tool
The future of health monitoring is in your ears - literally! With the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro, Apple is offering a groundbreaking way to monitor your heart rate and possibly even detect heart disease early. This new technology could make your daily life not only easier but also safer. It remains to be seen how exactly the new features will be integrated into everyday life and what additional health benefits they could result in. But one thing is certain: the AirPods are much more than just headphones - they are becoming an important tool for your health. So keep an eye out for the new AirPods next year, because they could be the key to a healthier future! (Image: Apple)