February 07, 2019

Apple Patents New AirPods Design with Health Tracking Features

Apple has been granted a patent by the United Stated Patent and Trademark Office that relates to AirPods configured with biometric sensors to provide health tracking features.

The patent drawings depict a new version of the wireless in-ear headphones which slip in to the ear canal of either ear and are held in place with a bendable band.

The patent provides that the earbuds will have a sensor that will record health data and may include measurements of heat rate, blood volume and respiratory rate, as well as temperature and stress levels. The AirPods could also be used to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) scan for electrical heart activity, like the Apple Watch.

So far, there is no indication if or when Apple will release these biometric-enabled earbuds. The company launched the original AirPods in 2016.

Authors: Jaclyn Tilak and Pearl Lee, 2018/2019 Articling Student-at-law

Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/@etactics

Clients note, "Goodmans is Canada’s pre-eminent IP litigation practice. Hard-working, diligent and smart, you can count on the team to come prepared to any engagement.” — IAM Patent 1000
According to many, Goodmans LLP is ‘the leading IP litigation firm in Canada’, with its creativity, experience in high-stakes patent cases and impressive courtroom skills all recurring themes among clients. — The Legal 500 Canada
"There is likely no other IP litigation group in Canada that has appeared in as many patent hearings, trials and appeals than the Goodmans IP group." — The Legal 500 Canada
The “globally elite” Goodmans is “the number one firm in Canada by far and the IP department has been leading patent litigation in Canada for over three decades. The team is outstanding at every level and is known for its first-class advocacy and track record for success.” — IAM Patent 1000
Goodmans is the pinnacle of patent litigation in Canada. — Chambers Canada
Clients remark, "Goodmans IP practice is informed by its corporate and litigation practices and this gives the IP practice a practical, hands-on focus that helps drive successful solutions." — Legal 500 Canada
On the Intellectual Property group, interviewees say, "they have the largest team in Canada dedicated to intellectual property litigation. They have high-quality lawyers at all levels of practice, including some of the best in the industry." — Legal 500 Canada
Clients note, "Goodmans’ IP litigation team is, simply, the best in Canada. Its strategic expertise in litigation, and in the pharma space in particular, is invaluable to in-house counsel. These lawyers are worth every penny and more." — The Legal 500 Canada
Clients note, "Goodmans is at the high water mark of the Canadian IP Bar." — Chambers Canada
Clients commend Goodmans for our "very strong, knowledgeable and hard-working IP litigation team, with decades of experience." — Chambers Canada
Clients have noted, "The Goodmans team is strong at every level: they are expert strategists and outstanding trial lawyers." — Chambers Canada
Clients commend the “litigation team’s flawless work ethic, both in terms of form and substance, and savvy handling of complex disputes”. — IAM Patent 1000
A deep bench of IP litigators distinguishes Goodmans LLP from its competition — The Legal 500 Canada
According to clients, "if you're looking for the gold standard in litigation, Goodmans LLP is one of the best." — The Legal 500 Canada
Clients commend the team's "strong layer of partners with 10 to 20 years of practice who are seen as emerging leaders in IP litigation." — Chambers Global

Insights

Client Updates

June 08, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

Trademarks Opposition Board Moves to Digital-Only Submission of Confidential Information

As of June 1, 2026, the Trademarks Opposition Board (TMOB) requires all confidential evidence and documentation in proceedings under sections 11.13, 38, or 45 of the Trademarks Act (the “Act”) to be…
IP Blog

June 05, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

Kansas City Chiefs Stars Sued for Trademark Infringement Over Steakhouse

The sneaker company, 1587 Sneakers, is reportedly suing Kansas City Chiefs players, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with their restaurant partners, for trademark infringement.1587 Sneakers…
IP Blog

May 20, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

A Pecking Order Problem: Pudgy Penguins Faces Penguin Trademark Lawsuit

As reported by Bloomberg Law News, PEI Licensing (“PEI”), the owner of the Penguin apparel brand, has sued Pudgy Penguins NFT (“Pudgy Penguins”) for trademark infringement.Pudgy Penguins started as a…
IP Blog

May 11, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

Old Brand, New Problems? Nike’s Attempt to Revive “Total 90” Soccer Cleats

Nike is reportedly attempting to revive its classic “Total 90” soccer cleat line, but has encountered an unexpected setback. Total90, LLC has reportedly asserted that Nike is infringing its…
IP Blog

April 16, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

A Swing and a Miss: The “All Rise” Trademark Attempt

As reported by Bloomberg, attempts to register marks covering the phrases “All Rise” and “Here Comes the Judge” were rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In…
Client Updates

March 06, 2026 Intellectual Property Litigation

Hershey’s Kisses Go to Court – Federal Court of Appeal Decision in PIM Brands Inc. v. Hershey Chocolate & Confectionery LLC

The Federal Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Promotion in Motion, Inc. (PIM Brands, Inc.) v. Hershey Chocolate & Confectionery LLC offers fresh guidance on how courts evaluate survey evidence…

View All Insights

Practices

Industries

Apple Patents New AirPods Design with Health Tracking Features

Jaclyn Tilak

Site Search

Apple Patents New AirPods Design with Health Tracking Features

Authors

Expertise

Insights