Apple's next AirPods may have health monitoring functions
This could be the reason why the accessory didn't get an update this year.
The second generation of Apple's wireless earbuds may contribute to the company's next significant leap in health tracker space. A filing for the next line of the quirky-yet-useful Bluetooth AirPods not only includes certification for Bluetooth 5.0, but a regulatory change that includes AirPods among "wellness instruments."
Reported by Apple Insider, these health-tracking AirPods may be on the way and similar capabilities have been rumored for a while. The report also includes a March 2017 filing that suggested "biometric sensing", including a sensor already used in the Apple Watch.
Apple has already made some significant moves regarding health throughout their line of products, but this current lineup is shaking things up a lot. For instance, the latest Apple Watch features a life-saving fall detection feature and an electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, becoming the first consumer-grade device to be certified with this tech.
Apple commenced their final Special Event for the year at the end of October, revealing the new iPad Pro refresh, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini. New AirPods could still be announced for the Holidays, but it's more likely we'll get a peek at them sometime in early 2019. Stay tuned to Shacknews for more updates.
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