Apple is reportedly researching new ways to turn AirPods into health tracking devices

According to documents seen by the Wall Street Journal, a prototype AirPod with the ability to measure the wearer's core temperature through the inner ear is being developed to work in conjunction with a temperature sensor that could be included in the Apple Watch Series 8

Unlike skin temperature sensors, core temperature is typically measured only using ear thermometers or infrared technology outside of medical settings Core temperature refers to the temperature of the body's organs A sudden rise or drop in body temperature is usually a sign of a serious medical condition

The new health tracking feature being developed for AirPods is also said to provide hints and tips about the wearer's posture and warn if they begin to hunch over Poor posture has long been associated with poor health, as poor body alignment places extra stress on muscles and joints [It is not clear if this is an extension of the "conversation boost" feature that was included in the AirPods Pro last week, or if Apple is developing a hearing aid feature for the AirPods, but Apple is said to be working on a new hearing feature as well

Conversation Boost increases the volume and intelligibility of the person in front of the wearer, so it is possible that Apple is extending this, but the report mentions FDA regulations for a new class of hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss It is unlikely that they will be used as hearing aids

This is not the first time we have heard rumors that AirPods will offer more health monitoring features Kevin Lynch, Apple's vice president of technology, hinted at sensor capabilities for the AirPods in an interview with Tech Crunch earlier this year; when asked directly about health monitoring for the AirPods, Lynch said, "We already have several devices today with We are doing sensor fusion, and I think there are all kinds of possibilities here"

While the new health features of the Apple AirPods will not reach consumers for a couple of years, these rumors indicate that Apple is focusing on health and wellness features across multiple devices the Apple Watch is no longer the company's primary device for health features appears to be no longer the company's primary device for health features Last month, for example, Apple was said to be working on technology to diagnose depression and cognitive decline on the iPhone

The tech giant is also said to be working on new health features for the Apple Watch that would allow users to track blood pressure and even fertility The Wall Street Journal reported that a source familiar with internal documents leaked that the brand is working on a tool that would alert users when their blood pressure rises The fertility feature is expected to be available as early as next year

Of course, if this year's Apple event taught us anything, it is that sometimes rumors are just rumors