AirPods or can be verified by ear Fingerprints are going to be eliminated?

Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple related to the use of headphones (AirPods) for user identification.

Biometrics include fingerprints and facial recognition, as well as new biometric methods such as identifying the user's internal tract structure or even the user's gait of walking. Apple notes in its patent document that headphones coupled to the iPhone (electronic device) can provide a useful interface between the user and the electronic device.

According to the patent, AirPods can use ultrasonic signals as sonar to detect the shape of the ear canal. The various features of the user's ear provide an echo of the ultrasonic signal, which is unique to the user. If the biometric information obtained corresponds to the reference biometric information, the user can be identified as an authorized user of the wireless headset and the associated mobile device.

By utilizing additional factors such as biometrics, gait, and speech, the system is able to provide additional certifications when necessary, thereby improving accuracy. Improving accuracy enhances the operability of the equipment and makes the equipment more efficient.

However, given that this is currently only a patent application, it is unclear when such a product will be available.

Forward-looking Economist APP Information Group