Apple Reportedly Exploring AirPods With Built-In Cameras And Health Sensors

In July last year, Bloomberg reported that Apple was planning a handful of health-centric enhancements for the AirPods, including a temperature sensor. The latest edition of Bloomberg's PowerOn newsletter says Apple is exploring something even more ambitious and could put a camera on its wireless earbuds.

"The company is exploring the idea of putting cameras on the earbuds, along with more advanced AI and health sensors," says the report. Currently under development under the internal project name B798, the company is reportedly aiming to add low-resolution camera sensors inside earbuds that chase a form factor similar to the AirPods.

This would be the first such attempt from any mainstream brand to put a camera sensor inside truly wireless earbuds. But there are some examples in a slightly modified form factor. E-commerce platforms like Amazon and AliExpress have listed neckband-style Bluetooth earphones with a camera sensor aimed at video capture, not snazzy fitness features. 

So far, we have only seen audio gear capable of measuring heart rate. Last year, Google scientists used off-the-shelf noise-canceling earbuds and relied on audioplethysmography (APG) tech to measure a person's heart rate without modifying the hardware. All it needs is a software update loaded with the necessary data collection algorithm to measure heart activity using earbuds that offer an Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) feature.

Adding a camera to the AirPods would come with a natural expectation of video capture. But in Apple's case, the visual data collected from the camera sensor would be used for wellness-related facilities. "Such cameras could theoretically be used to capture data that would be processed via AI and assist people in their daily routines," claims Bloomberg.

Theoretically, it also could tie in with wellness features like fall detection. The camera could also open new avenues for data collection and more accurate workout tracking or even open the doors for analyzing more diverse sets of physical activities.

The outlet previously reported that Apple hoped to put sensors on its audio wearable line to measure temperature from within the ear canal. The data collected by the sensor would help Apple determine whether a person has signs of a cold or any other illness where high temperature is a symptom. 

The plans to add a camera or temperature sensor to the AirPods are in the exploration phase, and there is no certainty if such a device will be released commercially. On a similar note, Apple is also said to be discussing a smart ring project, with the goal of expanding the reach of its wearable portfolio by offering health tech in diverse form factors.