The weekend has kicked off with two rumors. One says that the next gen Apple Watch will have “mental health capabilities.
Noted Apple secret leader Jon Prosser, speaking on the Geared Up podcast, says the Apple Watch Series 6 and upcoming watchOS will have new mental health features, such as the ability to detect panic attacks. Although he doesn’t offer the caveat that this feature might not debut until 2021.
“What their biggest focus on is right now and I hope it comes this year, it might come next year, but I hope it’s coming to WWDC is mental health capabilities. Where they can take the oxygen levels in your blood with your heart rate and determine if you’re hyperventilating,” Prosser says. “They can identify a panic attack before it happens and warn you on your watch. Especially if you’re driving, they’ll ask you to pull over and they’ll offer breathing exercises once you get pulled over.”
Chances the rumor is true, according to the Sellers Research Group (that’s me): 90%. With Apple’s increased focus on health issues, it makes sense. Although, of course, there’s definitely a limit as to how much mental health monitoring event the smartest of smart watches can do
The second rumor of the day is that the rumored Apple over-the-ear headphones will be called “AirPods Studio.” This also comes from Prosser in a tweet; he says the codename is “B515” and will cost US$349
Chances the rumor is true, per the Sellers Research Group: 85%. I still don’t see the logic of Apple releasing headphones under its own brand and its Beats subsidiary. However, it if does, considering how well the AirPods and AirPods Pro sell, using the “AirPods” name makes sense.
