Future AirPods to Include 'Ambient Light Sensors' Possibly Related to Rumored Health Features

[MacRumors]

Apple is reportedly looking to integrate light sensors in a new model of AirPods in the next couple of years, according to a new report today, suggesting their use could be part of rumored upcoming health monitoring features in the true wireless earbuds. In a paywalled article, DigiTimes reports that ASE Technology could be involved in manufacturing the sensors:

Apple is expected to incorporate ambient light sensors (ALS) in next-generation AirPods devices in the coming 1-2 years, and Taiwan's ASE Technology may handle the backend process for the new component, as it has moved to purchase more packaging machines, according to industry sources.

The preview of the report doesn't specify what function the ambient light sensors would provide, but another DigiTimes report today suggests they'd be a component part of biometric measurements:

ASE Technology is poised to apply its SESUB (semiconductor embedded in substrate)-based SiP packaging technology to next-generation TWS (true wireless stereo) earphones to be rolled out by Apple, after being contracted to handle high-end mmWave AiP (antenna in package) process for 5G iPhones and tablets, according to industry sources.

ASE has combined SiP with embedded AI design for TWS gears, allowing the devices to monitor heart rates, step counts and health conditions and even to conduct intelligent translation and detect head motions, the sources added.

DigiTimes' sources often provide reliable information, but the site has a mixed track record when it comes to interpreting that information and accurately deciphering Apple's plans. Still, it's conceivable that the sensors could be related to rumored health monitoring features like heart rate and/or blood oxygen saturation from the ear.

Clip-on finger pulse oximeters work by shining red and infrared light through the blood vessels and a light detector measures the volume of blood oxygen based on the amount of light that passes through the finger. These sensors can also be used to measure pulse rate.

In hospitals, ear-based clip-on pulse oximeters work on the same principle and shine light through the earlobe. Part of the light is absorbed by the skin and the part not absorbed reaches the light sensor on the other side.

It's unclear whether Apple could achieve a similar function without redesigning the way AirPods and AirPods Pro sit in the ear. As things stand, a more likely candidate for the technology would be Apple's fitness-oriented earphones: Powerbeats Pro sport an over ear design similar to Freewavz's true wireless earphones, which feature integrated pulse oximeters for measuring blood oxygen and heart rate.

Early last year, DigiTimes claimed that Apple would release next-generation AirPods with "health monitoring features" in the first half of 2019. While Apple launched second-generation AirPods in March 2019, health monitoring smarts were conspicuously absent.

DigiTimes receives a flood of data from the Asian supply chain, some of which it claims pertains to prototypes or test products that never make it to market or change significantly before launch, skewing its accuracy. Given that caveat, it's possible Apple held back the health monitoring features for a future AirPods model. We certainly know Apple has explored how it might incorporate health monitoring features into future AirPods.

One Apple patent describes an earbud-based fitness monitoring system which integrates an advanced biometric sensor that can detect physiological metrics including temperature, heart rate, perspiration levels and more, through skin contact and via built-in motion sensors.

Blood oxygen monitoring is useful for measuring fitness and recovery, but it can also reveal health conditions like sleep apnea and other issues. Apple is expected to activate the feature in a future Apple Watch model, and CEO Tim Cook has highlighted Apple's interest in health as a major focus that may actually end up being "Apple's greatest contribution to mankind."

Article Link: Future AirPods to Include 'Ambient Light Sensors' Possibly Related to Rumored Health Features

 

[kissmo]

I like the direction Apple is taking in the Health area. I really support their involvement here, I think they do such a cool job at it and the possibilities are insane.

If they innovated in an area - it's definitely this one.

 

[44267547]

If this rumor proves to be accurate about the ‘ambient light sensors‘, it probably will coincide somehow with the Apple Watch integrating with each other. I think it’s obvious Apple is expanding the AirPods beyond Just as a ‘Bluetooth earbud‘, but how it will provide health related info to the user as well. At some point, I suspect the Apple Watch, AirPods and AR glasses will all work in tandem with each other. The future is looking awesome.

 

[otternonsense]

I hope it's not another feature that "just works" out of the box and then gets nerfed by a subsequent firmware update, like noise cancellation

 

[The Game 161]

Guessing for the pros

 

[4jasontv]

Throw homekit support on them so it can adjust lighting for my specific position in the room.

Edit: I know, these will face inward and won’t be exposed to room light... but they could have two sensors...

 

[Taustin Powers]

Can the AirPods take/monitor my temperature? That would be a useful feature right now.

 

[dondiego87]

I think the article might be reading too much into two unconnected pieces of information. "Ambient light sensors" to me suggests that they would literally just be reading light in the environment, rather than light produced by an LED/laser/whatever.

I'm hoping that the ambient light sensors would be used for ear detection ("I was just removed from my case and then it got dark again, but I'm not in the case now, so I must be in an ear") to supplement whatever is currently used, because whatever they're using now is wildly inconsistent and slow for me. Several times a week, I find myself having to put my Airpods back in the case and start over because my left one failed to wake up.

 

[MacSince1985]

Not sure how useful that would be, especially since the earbuds could be covered by a hat of hood.

 

[BornAgainApple]

Can the AirPods take/monitor my temperature? That would be a useful feature right now.

That’s my thought as well. I see many nurses who take temperature via the ear canal with infrared light.

 

[4jasontv]

Can the AirPods take/monitor my temperature? That would be a useful feature right now.

For some reason I think this would be a battery issue, BUT, if it's not than it's a great idea. Especially if it can combine with the health app to recommend drinking water, and with HomeKit to adjust the temperature of the room.

 

[Itada]

All kinds of possibilities here. In-ear body temperature measurement, sunlight/UV exposure, etc.

 

[boswald]

I really love Apple’s commitment to health.

 

[Itada]

Can the AirPods take/monitor my temperature? That would be a useful feature right now.

And aside from detecting illness, it could be used for period/fertility tracking (basal body temperature).

 

[Zweimeter]

Maybe the ambient light sensor is used to support the light shading of the rumored AR glasses, since these presumably won't have a photo camera and only LIDAR Sensors. ?

 

[ipedro]

I love the idea of head motion detection. You could silently interact with Siri by gently nodding your head yes or no. This would have to be reliable and have a very low rate of false detections but knowing Apple, they would only release it if they really crack it.

Core body temperature measurement is the next major advancement in Apple's fitness and health management. The ear canal is the obvious place for this reading, something the Apple Watch can't do on the wrist. I'm sure we'll see this sooner or later.

 

[Fowl]

I'm imagining it monitoring intelligence by shining light through one ear and seeing if it comes out the other one...

 

[MikeyMike01]

I hope it's not another feature that "just works" out of the box and then gets nerfed by a subsequent firmware update, like noise cancellation

“After receiving multiple reports of the ANC being worse than before after the 2B588 firmware update, we retested the Apple AirPods Pro's noise isolation performance and didn't get noticeable test result differences. Apple might have tweaked the ANC, but not enough to noticeably impact the overall performance.”

Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless Review

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www.rtings.com

 

[bollman]

What is going on with this craze about measuring every possible aspect of your body?
If you like a walk, do you need to know your heart rate, oxygen saturation, step count, distance, and your phone to tell you you did a good job? Is it impossible to enjoy the walk otherwise? Is it the instant gratification-generation that needs this?
Warning: your heart rate and blood pressure might increase when you read the fine print of this post below
Yes, I know about the great stories about these persons that got saved by their iPhone or Watch, but for every story like that, how many could have been saved by raising taxes and offering healthcare for everyone?

 

[Westside guy]

About 18 posts in, yet still no one has stated the obvious application...

This is to monitor for excessive ear wax production.

 

[DeepIn2U]

There is no need for ear clip ones to read pulse or oxygen saturation. Jabra already solved this 2-3yrs ago with the Sport Pulse Elite models.
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I love the idea of head motion detection. You could silently interact with Siri by gently nodding your head yes or no. This would have to be reliable and have a very low rate of false detections but knowing Apple, they would only release it if they really crack it.

Core body temperature measurement is the next major advancement in Apple's fitness and health management. The ear canal is the obvious place for this reading, something the Apple Watch can't do on the wrist. I'm sure we'll see this sooner or later.

why is core body temperature so important? As a health need?False positives for a pandemic infect/virus/disease will not ever get passed in so many countries the R&D, not to mention the marketing costs would not be worth it. You have a gruelling workout your core temperature will go up, more so if you’re not in shape: physical or cardiovascular.

 

[RalfTheDog]

There is no need for ear clip ones to read pulse or oxygen saturation. Jabra already solved this 2-3yrs ago with the Sport Pulse Elite models.
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why is core body temperature so important? As a health need?False positives for a pandemic infect/virus/disease will not ever get passed in so many countries the R&D, not to mention the marketing costs would not be worth it. You have a gruelling workout your core temperature will go up, more so if you’re not in shape: physical or cardiovascular.

The Apple system can tell if you are exerting yourself by looking at your pulse. It also will learn your normal thermal range. If you are not doing cardio, your temperature goes beyond your normal range and your phone says you are not in a hot environment, it gives you a warning.

Beyond that, core temperature would be a fantastic bit of exercise data. It would probably be the best clue as to the number of calories burned.

 

[AppleHeadPhx]

Black AirPods please.

 

[chaines]

But what if they are so thin that an ambient light sensor won't fit? Going back to why iPod touches no longer have ambient light sensors...... Phil Schiller's response: "Its just too thin!"

 

[otozuz]

It must be fascinating to plan, research and design a pipeline of products that will (I don't know for sure of course!) complement each other years in the future (Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Glass)