While most current Apple devices can verify our identity via fingerprint or facial recognition, Apple is considering equipping the AirPods with biometric identification in the future – Ear ID.
A patent application describes two ways in which AirPods can confirm our identity before allowing access to sensitive data. Apple's patent application (via Patently Apple) describes a potential security risk with wireless headphones: Anyone can wear them while they are connected to one of your devices and then access private information and give Siri commands.
Authorization of the user may also be based on obtaining biometric information from a device such as the wireless headset. Biometric information associated with an ear of the user may be captured by wireless headsets. For example, various signals may be output to the wireless headsets, with an impulse response received from the wireless headsets based on the output signals. The impulse response may correspond to a biometric representation associated with an ear of the user (e.g., an inner ear representation). If the obtained biometric data is determined to match reference biometric data (e.g., a reference inner ear representation), the user is identified as an authorized user of the wireless headsets and associated mobile device.
AirPods could get their own biometric security system
Or to put it more simply: The AirPods could send out a signal that is measured when it returns. This would allow the earphones to confirm that the measurement result matches. If that is the case, everything is unlocked, just like with other biometric security systems. But as always, Apple tests all sorts of things and then patents them. Only some of these patents are actually implemented in products or functions. So whether we will see AirPods with Ear ID at some point remains to be seen. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by HannaKuprevich / Bigstockphoto)
