Apple’s AirPods May Get Health-Tracking Upgrade with iOS 18: Rumors and Speculations

Apple is set to unveil iOS 18 at WWDC on June 10, and there are rumors that the company’s AirPods may receive a significant software update. The technology giant has been focusing on health features with devices like the Apple Watch and the iPhone, including heart health monitoring, walking steadiness detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS.

In a recent episode of One More Thing, rumors about the upcoming AirPods were explored, including the possibility of introducing a hearing aid mode with iOS 18. Speculation suggests that AirPods could integrate more sensors in the future, such as an EEG for detecting brain activity. While there were previously rumors of the AirPods Pro featuring a heart rate and body temperature sensor, this feature has not yet been released. Other earbuds on the market, such as the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, already offer these health tracking capabilities.

If these rumored features do come to fruition, it would be a significant step in Apple’s health ambitions. The integration of health-related features in AirPods could help push Apple further into the health domain and make its wearables more than just entertainment and second-screen devices. Even if some of these features do not materialize, it is encouraging to see Apple exploring ways to enhance its wearables beyond their current capabilities.