Will Apple AirPods Enable Heart Rate and Step Count Measurement?

AirPods to Feature Optical Sensor for Expanded Health Monitoring Functions

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It is anticipated that Apple will enhance health-related measurement functions by equipping the next-generation AirPods with optical sensors.

On the 25th (local time), according to Taiwan's DigiTimes and others, Apple is expected to integrate optical sensors into wireless earphones within the next two years. Apple has decided to source sensors from Taiwan's ASE Technology to implement health-related measurement functions in wireless earphones.

This is interpreted as Apple's intention to introduce health measurement functions to AirPods following the Apple Watch. ASE Technology explained, "We will apply silicon packaging that checks health conditions such as heart rate and step count, and detects head movements."

Previously, Apple filed a patent related to earphone health monitoring technology that uses light for heart rate measurement. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple specialist and TF Securities analyst, also predicted the release of new AirPods with enhanced healthcare functions.

MacRumors stated, "While it should be noted that DigiTimes reports are not always accurate, equipping optical sensors could enable measuring heart rate or blood oxygen saturation through the ear." They added, "Just as a finger pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen levels by shining light through blood vessels and detecting the amount of light passing through, AirPods equipped with optical sensors could measure through the skin. However, it is uncertain whether similar functions can be achieved without redesigning how AirPods and AirPods Pro fit in the ear."