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We have read rumors about future AirPods models several times this year. But there have been no details about new features - until today.
Over the last year, we have often read reports that Apple wants to establish the AirPods more firmly in the area of health. There was talk of sensors that could monitor blood circulation, for example – a corresponding Patent was discovered in autumn 2019. Now DigiTimes reports that Apple plans to equip new AirPods with light sensors in the next one to two years. This is what the preview of the paid article:
Apple is expected to incorporate ambient light sensors (ALS) into next-generation AirPod devices in the next 1-2 years, and Taiwan's ASE Technology could handle the backend process for the new component as the company has moved to purchase more packaging machines, according to industry sources.
According to the sources, ASE has a SiP-based housing technology that can be used in earbuds like Apple's white buds. Combined with the embedded AI design, the AirPods could monitor the wearer's heart rate, step count and health status. In addition, head movement detection would also be possible. Whether the feature will be implemented in the AirPods 3 or AirPods 4 remains to be seen.
AirPods – Are design changes necessary?
If current rumors are to be believed, the third generation of AirPods will only have a change in design. That means they will use a system-in-package design that is already used in the AirPods Pro - at least that's what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims. According to this, the new health function could debut in the fourth generation of the obese plugs. DigiTimes actually has good sources in Apple's supply chain. The problem is usually the timing, which often turns out to be wrong. It also remains unknown whether the integration of such a function requires design changes. If the normal AirPods get the feature, it can be assumed that the AirPods Pro will follow suit. If you want to find out more about Apple's efforts in the health sector, you might be interested in rumors about the Apple Watch Series 6 - you will find two recommendations below. (Photo by Eremin / Bigstockphoto)
