Apple may soon give us a new reason to pop in our earbuds: heart rate-tracking earbuds could be on the horizon. According to recent reports, the tech giant is exploring more advanced health features for the next-generation AirPods Pro—tentatively referred to as the AirPods Pro 3—including heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. Word on the street is that Apple wants these earbuds to do much more than stream music and handle phone calls.
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Heart Rate and Temperature: The Next Frontier
Insiders suggest that Apple’s labs have been abuzz with excitement over two key features for future AirPods Pro models: heart rate tracking and temperature sensing. Although it’s said that the Apple Watch still offers more accurate heart rate readings for now, Apple appears motivated to close the gap. The temperature-sensing function, if implemented, might open new doors for at-home health tracking—potentially offering quick, on-the-go readings without reaching for a thermometer.
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Early Development Stage for AirPods Pro 3
According to industry sources, these health-focused earbuds are still in an early development stage, meaning a formal release timeline remains uncertain. Speculation is mounting, but insiders are also cautioning that, as with any Apple venture, features can change before a final product hits the shelves. Nevertheless, the concept of future AirPods health sensors underscores Apple’s broader commitment to wearable health tech.
Powerbeats Pro 2 Heart Rate Monitoring
It’s not just AirPods Pro 3 getting attention. Reports indicate the upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 will also feature heart rate monitoring. In fact, new code discoveries in iOS 18 hint at the ability to link these exercise-friendly earbuds directly to gym equipment, offering metrics like heart rate right on the treadmill console. Scheduled to debut in 2025, the Powerbeats Pro 2 may provide a glimpse of what’s to come in Apple’s wider audio lineup.
Cameras for AI-Powered Earbud Technology
In a longer-term plan, Apple has apparently revisited the idea of camera-equipped AirPods to support AI-powered earbud technology. While some may question the practicality of having cameras on earbuds, others see it as a logical extension of Apple’s push into augmented and mixed reality experiences. For the moment, though, these camera-equipped AirPods exist mostly on the distant horizon.
Read Also: Apple launches Beats Powerbeats Pro true wireless earbuds
Final Thoughts
If these rumours pan out, the AirPods Pro 3 could redefine what we expect from “earphones.” While new health sensors and AI features might make daily routines more convenient, the challenge will be delivering reliable data that matches (or exceeds) current wearables. For now, we’ll wait to see just how accurate—and innovative—Apple’s next leap in earbud technology will be.
