Apple AirPods Could Soon Serve As Hearing Aid, In-Ear Thermometer, Posture Monitoring Device: Report

Apple is reportedly looking into making its AirPods not only the leading wireless earbuds in the world but also a reliable and nifty health device.

The Cupertino-based tech giant aims to equip AirPods with health monitoring functions, including hearing enhancement, body temperature reading and posture monitoring. People familiar with the plan, as well as several documents, claim the company has already developed multiple prototypes that can measure the user's temperature from inside the ear, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Other documents reportedly mention AirPods that have the ability to track posture by detecting changes in the wearer's motion. This in-ear device can also be used to amplify particular sounds or enhance hearing, just like what hearing aids do, the report further revealed.

Many people are excited to see these supposed new AirPods features, but it seems they have to wait longer. Based on the report, these new functions "aren't expected by next year and might never be rolled out to consumers or the timing could change."

It appears Apple is currently at the stage where it is still exploring these new health features for AirPods instead of actively working on incorporating them into the AirPod models that are set to roll out in 2022 or 2023. Integrating new sensors on the devices is not a far-fetched idea for the company.

The tech giant has aggressively marketed its products by positioning them as better alternatives to health and fitness monitors. So far, the majority of these features are found on the Apple Watch, which, according to reports from a few weeks ago, could have sensors to monitor blood sugar levels, sleep quality and even blood oxygen.

Apple AirPods have already been doing well in the market. It raked in approximately $12.8 billion in 2020 with several models, including the AirPods, the AirPods Pro and the AirPod Max.

Meanwhile, Apple is holding an event called "Unleashed" Monday. The company is expected to introduce updates to some of its products during the event, which will reportedly showcase the new pair of AirPods and MacBook lineup.