While Gürman speculates that Apple is planning new models for both AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, he believes new hardware releases are not imminent.

Currently, AirPods already have the ability to support audiograms, which are sound profiles that allow the headphones to adapt to individual hearing characteristics. Users can use third-party applications such as Mimi to create an audiogram.

However, Apple is reportedly developing a built-in hearing test feature to be included in the operating system, effectively replacing the need for external apps.

Can AirPods make a hearing aid?

Gürman also revealed that Apple is exploring the possibility of positioning AirPods as hearing aids after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the sale of hearing aids without a prescription.

temperature measurement

Another potential feature that Gurman mentions is the integration of temperature monitoring into the AirPods via the ear canal. Apple is said to have been working on this technology since late 2021.

It is noteworthy that the Apple Watch Series 8 offered a similar function last year, but mainly to monitor the relative temperature, which is used to monitor the menstrual cycle.

By expanding the temperature monitoring feature on AirPods, Apple aims to provide users with more accurate indicators of their health, potentially allowing users to detect illness or worsening in its early stages.

Although Gurman has not confirmed whether this feature will be exclusive to AirPods Pro, it most likely will.

Competitors have

Few other wireless earbuds already have similar specs. For example, the Jabra Elite 75t introduced MySound in 2020. It allows you to create personalized sound profiles by playing a series of tones and asking users to react when they hear noise. Similarly, Nothing Ear 2, released in 2023, comes with its own hearing test and sound profile function.

When will the new AirPods Pro appear?

The addition of these new health features could happen “within months or even years,” according to Gurman’s information at Power On. Moreover, the AirPods Pro update cycle is currently three yearsas evidenced by the launch of the second generation AirPods Pro just last year.

Therefore, anyone looking to upgrade their headphones or need the above features should be patient or consider alternatives. Although there is another estimate from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that contradicts Gurman. It indicates that the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro will arrive later this year, possibly in the second or third quarter.