Apple filed a new patent that could allow next-generation AirPods to recognize their owners. This security feature would prevent a third party from being able to use any of the headset’s features, such as playing music, making calls, or accessing Siri.
According to the patent, AirPods could use a specific movement to “unlock”. For example, the user could set an ear tapping gesture or a head nod. Once the movement is detected by the AirPods, the user would be identified and authorized to use the headphones.
“Once it is established that the movement is similar to what has been proposed, a user can be identified and the use of the hearing aids authorized”reads an excerpt from the patent filed by Apple.
The patent also describes a feature that uses ultrasonic signals to verify the proximity of AirPods to an Apple device. Moving AirPods too far from the device will disable or disable some of their features.
These security features could be a huge security enhancement for AirPods. Currently, anyone who finds a lost pair of AirPods could use them without requiring a password or identification.
It is expected that this security feature could arrive in the next generation of AirPods, which is rumored to be released in 2024.. However, Apple could later include it in the second generation AirPods Pro, which launched in September 2022.
New releases
The announcement of this new Apple patent comes just a few days after one of the most important days for the company. The company is expected to present the iPhone 15 that day which has generated high expectations among fans of the brand. In addition, it is expected that it will be possible to know what the next generation of AirPods will be like, however it is not yet certain that this will come to fruition.
Some rumors suggest that the next generation AirPods could have a new design, better sound quality and new featuressuch as the ability to recognize their owners. However, Apple has not officially confirmed anything yet.
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