Over the past few months, various rumours had leaked suggesting that Apple was going to release the second-generation Apple AirPods. However, we are still awaiting the highly anticipated next-gen true wireless earphones. Now, the biggest confirmation that Apple will be launching the second generation AirPods in the near future comes via the developer build of iOS 12.2 which has just been released.
The latest beta version of iOS 12.2 includes a new setup interface for the command "Hey Siri" for the Apple AirPods – this is a highlighted feature of the AirPods 2. It has to be noted that the setup is not visible to public beta testers. As of now, the Hey Siri command is accessible to just Apple iPhone and the Apple iPad to wake up the devices. To access Siri on the AirPods, it needs to be done via a tap, before you can quiz the voice assistant.
As per a report by 9to5Mac, when pairing the AirPods 2, a user will be required to set up the Hey Siri feature in exactly the same way it's done on an iPhone and iPad. This, in turn, trains the AirPods to respond only when the user is trying to access Siri and not the voices of other people.
The report states, "The main difference from using "Hey, Siri" with these new AirPods will be that the AirPods themselves will do the recognition, sending the command to the paired device. This means you'll be able to use Siri while your iPhone is in your pocket without having to tap on your AirPods."
In an earlier report, Apple has been delaying the AirPods 2 because they plan on adding some important tech in them. The next-generation AirPods could launch as early as the first half of this year and it will come with support for some health monitoring features, with no specifics divulged.
The report adds that several suppliers, notably Zhen Ding Tech, Flexium Interconnect, Compaq Manufacturing, and Unitech Printed Circuit Board are all taking part in the production of the brand new AirPods.
As of yet, no concrete details have been provided or no new information has been given regarding what health features in the new AirPods will entail. But it's in no way surprising that Apple's focus is on health.
With Apple expected to host an event for its next-generation iPad in March, we believe that the Apple AirPods 2 could make an appearance at the event itself.
