Apple Adds Hearing Aid Function to AirPods... Expands Healthcare Product Lineup

by Kwon Jaehee

Published 14 Oct.2021 10:56(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Apple is reportedly researching ways to add healthcare functions to its wireless earphones, AirPods. As Apple previously stated that "the field where it can contribute the most is healthcare," the company plans to expand its healthcare product lineup, which is currently limited to the Apple Watch.

On the 13th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing internal Apple documents, that Apple is conducting research to add functions such as a thermometer and hearing aid to AirPods. The goal is to measure body temperature with AirPods and enhance healthcare functions that assist auditory capabilities.

However, WSJ noted that it is unclear whether the hearing assistance features Apple plans to add to AirPods will be differentiated from the functions currently offered in the AirPods Pro.

Previously, Apple introduced a feature in the AirPods Pro, the premium model of AirPods, that allows users to hear the other party's voice clearly.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly researching ways to add posture correction functions to AirPods.

Posture correctors that alert users via vibration when the neck or back bends beyond a certain angle are already available on the market, but these are typically in the form of necklaces or require adhesion to the body. A method like AirPods, which are worn in the ear, is expected to be more convenient to use.

Apple has viewed healthcare as a future growth area and entered the healthcare sector through the Apple Watch. However, the limitation has been that the healthcare product lineup was confined to the Apple Watch. Accordingly, this move appears to be an effort to expand the product lineup offering health functions beyond the Apple Watch through AirPods.