Apple and Cornell University released a new study this week that shows how researchers can estimate respiratory rate from breathing sounds captured by wearable microphones like the AirPods and AirPods Pro. The study was published this month by Apple's in-house researchers in collaboration with Cornell University.
Like MyHealthyApple reported, Cupertino explains that respiratory rate is a clinical metric used to assess overall health and fitness. It can change based on a variety of factors, including exercise and chronic, acute illnesses. Typically, patients must see their pulmonologist for respiratory rate testing and analysis. But Apple's study aims to find a way to estimate this metric without a doctor. The researchers used model-driven technology to estimate a person's respiratory rate from short audio segments recorded after exercise in healthy adults.
AirPods Pro 2 to receive new health monitoring features
The data was collected from 21 people wearing microphone-enabled near-field headphones before, during, and after strenuous exercise sessions. The study found that this audio signal can be a "viable signal for passive estimation" of respiratory rate, which is also a more cost-effective method compared to traditional healthcare. The timing of this study's publication is striking. Interestingly, rumors surrounding the second generation of AirPods Pro have been circulating for months. Reports suggest they will feature new health monitoring features. So, will the AirPods Pro 2 be able to measure respiratory rate? It's possible—we'll wait and see. (Photo by Unsplash / Nidheesh Kavalan)
