Jul 03, 2023 11:40:00

It is reported that Apple is developing new functions such as hearing test function and body temperature measurement function to be installed in AirPods

Bloomberg reporter Mark Garman, who is familiar with Apple's internal affairs, reports that the next-generation model of Apple's wireless earphone 'AirPods' may be equipped with a hearing test function and a temperature measurement function.

Apple AirPods Plans: Hearing Test, Body Temperature, Cheaper Models, USB-C - Bloomberg

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-07-02/apple-airpods-plans-hearing-test-body-temperature-cheaper-models-usb-c-ljlfwffu

Apple's next AirPods Pro may check your hearing health and take your temperature - The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/2/23781756/apples-next-airpods-pro-may-check-your-hearing-health-and-take-your-temperature

According to Garman, the next-generation AirPods are being developed to play multiple sounds to test the user's hearing ability and to obtain approval from

the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hearing aid functionality. It is said that there is.

The hearing test function is said to be a function to play various tones and sounds and take measurements like the hearing test app ' Mimi Hearing Test ' has provided so far. The hearing test feature will allow users to screen for their own hearing problems without having to undergo a professional test. Apple held a meeting with the developers of the Mimi hearing test a few years ago, and it is believed that negotiations were held to incorporate the hearing test feature.

So far, Apple has added to AirPods Pro a ``emphasize conversation'' function that makes it easier to hear conversations in crowded or noisy environments, and `` live listening'' that allows AirPods to listen to sounds picked up by the microphone installed on the iPhone. ” function is being added. In 2022, the FDA will also relax hearing aid purchasing rules, allowing over-the-counter sales without testing or prescriptions. Therefore, it is reported that Apple is pulling out engineers from various hearing aid manufacturers to sell AirPods with FDA-certified hearing aid functions.

In addition, Apple is adding a sensor to AirPods and is developing a body temperature measurement function that measures body temperature through the wearer's

ear canal . The temperature measurement function using the ear canal is believed to be more accurate than the skin temperature measurement function used to measure the menstrual cycle, which is installed in the ' Apple Watch Series 8 ' and ' Apple Watch Ultra '. By introducing a temperature measurement function, it will be possible to determine if the user has a cold or other fever-related illness.

According to Mr. Garman, the introduction of hearing test function, hearing aid function, and body temperature measurement function is 'months or years away'. The latest model of the current AirPods Pro was released in 2022 , and the latest model of AirPods was released in 2021 , so Garman speculates that the new AirPods under development will not be released soon. increase.

On the other hand, Garman predicts that the iPhone 15, which is scheduled to appear in 2023, will adopt a USB Type-C (USB-C) connector instead of the Lightning connector, and along with this, the AirPods Pro charging case will also be USB-C. I expect to switch to a compatible one. In addition, it is said that other audio devices will gradually shift to USB-C in the future.