Icon for new noise cancelling AirPods found in iOS 13.2 beta
A delve into the first iOS 13.2 beta release has found an icon, suggesting that Apple's noise cancelling AirPods are coming sooner rather than later.
Current second-generation AirPods with charging case
The discovery comes following rumors that have come with more frequency in the last year about an AirPods refresh with noise cancellation. The most recent in April, suggested that "AirPods 3" were moving up from an expected 2020 date, to late 2019 -- in line with the expected release of iOS 13.2
Icon said to be for a new noise cancelling AirPods revision, as found by 9to5Mac
Other items in the beta code rummaged by 9to5Mac are calling noise cancellation activation a "focus mode." Additionally, the AirPods are said to have model B298.
The icon bears a resemblance to an image published by SlashLeaks in September purporting to be new AirPods. The provenance of the image is still unknown -- and the units pictured do bear a striking resemblance to any number of AirPods knockoffs.
"AirPods 3" as leaked on SlashLeaks in September
At present, beyond noise cancellation, it's unclear what else may be included in any new AirPods update. Rumors of noise cancellation do not preclude the previously rumored extra health features coming to AirPods 3, however they may be planned for some later generation.
More than two years ago, Apple filed for three patents titled "Earbuds with biometric sensing." A more recent revelation is a patent that describes ways to allow an earbud to fit more securely within the ear canal, allowing it to have better contact with the skin.
An image from an Apple patent showing how an earbud could be made to contact the ear, making it more useful for PPG measurements
Given the existing patents, we can expect the integration of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, the same used in the Apple Watch to measure a user's heart rate.
Interestingly, the patents talked about a temperature sensor which can possibly detect both the core temperature of the user and ambient temperature as well. The patents also mentioned a sensor to measure blood oxygen levels, which can be useful for things such as keeping track of your aerobic endurance.
Also alluded to was the use of electrodes that can cooperatively measure a number of different biometric parameters, like galvanic skin response or electrical activity of the heart, which is a different implementation of the same core technology that's used in the Apple Watch Series 4 to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Apple's AirPods were last updated on March 20, 2019. The update included longer talk time, and the addition of "Hey Siri" support.
Current second-generation AirPods with charging case
The discovery comes following rumors that have come with more frequency in the last year about an AirPods refresh with noise cancellation. The most recent in April, suggested that "AirPods 3" were moving up from an expected 2020 date, to late 2019 -- in line with the expected release of iOS 13.2
Icon said to be for a new noise cancelling AirPods revision, as found by 9to5Mac
Other items in the beta code rummaged by 9to5Mac are calling noise cancellation activation a "focus mode." Additionally, the AirPods are said to have model B298.
The icon bears a resemblance to an image published by SlashLeaks in September purporting to be new AirPods. The provenance of the image is still unknown -- and the units pictured do bear a striking resemblance to any number of AirPods knockoffs.
"AirPods 3" as leaked on SlashLeaks in September
At present, beyond noise cancellation, it's unclear what else may be included in any new AirPods update. Rumors of noise cancellation do not preclude the previously rumored extra health features coming to AirPods 3, however they may be planned for some later generation.
More than two years ago, Apple filed for three patents titled "Earbuds with biometric sensing." A more recent revelation is a patent that describes ways to allow an earbud to fit more securely within the ear canal, allowing it to have better contact with the skin.
An image from an Apple patent showing how an earbud could be made to contact the ear, making it more useful for PPG measurements
Given the existing patents, we can expect the integration of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, the same used in the Apple Watch to measure a user's heart rate.
Interestingly, the patents talked about a temperature sensor which can possibly detect both the core temperature of the user and ambient temperature as well. The patents also mentioned a sensor to measure blood oxygen levels, which can be useful for things such as keeping track of your aerobic endurance.
Also alluded to was the use of electrodes that can cooperatively measure a number of different biometric parameters, like galvanic skin response or electrical activity of the heart, which is a different implementation of the same core technology that's used in the Apple Watch Series 4 to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Apple's AirPods were last updated on March 20, 2019. The update included longer talk time, and the addition of "Hey Siri" support.
Comments
Actually on topic, i am surprised Apple hasn’t gone more aggressively into ANC and smart features. Why leave the ANC market to [largely] Bose and Sony? On that matter, Beats headphones could also do with a sound and ANC update. Imagine a studio 4 that matched or outdid MX3s and QC35 II in sound quality and performance. Regardless, it’s time for an sound device update, maybe even a diversification of models in the market to help out the deprived like Eric.
I was overall very happy with my AirPods, but started to notice that while walking home they'd loosen in my ears ever so slightly and need to be pushed back in a bit to get a better seal in order to increase loudness/bass to the level I prefer. I got these little silicone slipcover things off Amazon and it's improved their fit quite a bit, to the point that I wish the AirPods had a silicone or other grippier coating/finish so they wouldn't slip out. These look like they will have interchangeable silicone tips, which I much prefer and should offer a solution for people whose ears don't cooperate with the current AirPods design.
If apple made a canal style bud with the same tech and wireless charging as the current AirPods, I would not be able to pre order them fast enough.
Even tried BeatsX for myself when I bought her the original AirPods. They are great with pairing ease and range.. they sound pretty good too, but they aren't truly wireless and the cord across the neck gets old. I use them to watch tv in the bedroom paired with my Appletv when she is is trying to sleep.
My current true wireless buds from RHA sound and fit really good, but don't have the range, pairing ease or call quality that you get with AirPods.
Not sure if it is feasible (yet) from a technical perspective but I think this is the direction we'll be moving in.