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06 Dec 2018
Apple could be working on biometrics-equipped 'interchangeable' AirPods
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Apple's truly wireless AirPods are impressive, but just like all other high-end earphones, even these earbuds have fit issues.
Though the Cupertino giant has done a lot to deliver the perfect fit, many users still find AirPods uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, to wear.
However, a new patent has hinted that Apple might solve that problem with an interchangeable pair of AirPods.
Here's how.
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Patent details
Interchangeable AirPods: How they would work?
![Interchangeable AirPods: How they would work?]( "Interchangeable AirPods: How they would work?")
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The USPTO patent, which was granted to Apple a few days ago, envisions AirPods with a symmetric design.
This would allow the right and left earbud to be worn interchangeably, promising a universal fit to the user.
The same patent states that such earbuds could also include sensors capable of detecting left/right ear placement and adjusting audio quality according to it.
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Quote
Here's what the patent document read
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"In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in," the patent document read.
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Biometrics
Plus, they might even have biometric sensors
![Plus, they might even have biometric sensors]( "Plus, they might even have biometric sensors")
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Along with this, the envisioned AirPods could also carry one or more biometric sensors.
These, as the patent suggests, could be "pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements".
Then, they could take health-related measurements and provide information ranging from heart-rate to body temperature in real-time, according to The Verge.
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Information
Is this a completely redesigned avatar of AirPods?
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Just recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that we'll see AirPods with an all-new design in 2020. The report is not confirmed, but if design changes are indeed coming, the idea of bringing interchangeability and biometrics would certainly make sense.
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Availability
However, don't get your hopes high
![However, don't get your hopes high]( "However, don't get your hopes high")
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As this technology is just a patent right now, there's no guarantee when or if it will turn into a consumer product.
Apple has not refreshed AirPods since 2016 but reports suggest that a new generation would be unveiled next year.
However, there's no way of saying if something like this would come with the next or any future update of the device.
