You've heard of Touch ID and Face ID, but is Ear ID next? Researchers have detailed a new tech would let you use AirPods or similar buds to prove who
you are and unlock your gadgets and it's actually your heartrate that they detect

Date:
Thu, 21 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Description:
Researchers in China have discovered a way to verify identity via heartbeat, all using earbuds. And it's a tech that's not limited to heart rate buds like the AirPods.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Chinese researchers have developed 'AccLock' This uses your heartbeat to verify your identity All it needs is earbuds with accelerometers Researchers from several universities in China have developed a technology they called AccLock , and it's basically
Ear ID. It's a way of verifying your identity using your heartbeat, as detected by your earbuds even if your buds don't have the kind of built-in heart-rate sensors you get in AirPods Pro 3 .

The idea is that your earbuds will be able to recognize your unique palpitations, to verify that you're you, and to unlock access to things like your PC or phone, or perhaps even a smart door lock. According to the paper, earbuds were chosen because they "remain closely coupled with the wearer during everyday use," so if you're the kind of person who's constantly
wearing your AirPods when out and about, you inspired this choice. Latest Videos From You may like Apple is allegedly shelving plans to add Touch ID to Apple Watches New research suggests AirPods with cameras can't happen unless Apple makes a few major changes Apple dropped my favorite iPhone feature, but it might return this year

In testing AccLock, the researchers did in fact use AirPods, as well as their own custom-made earphones, and so it clearly could work within Apple 's system. But it doesn't have to, because it only relies on motion-sensing tech rather than a dedicated heart tracker. Open hearted A diagram provided by the researchers involving quite a high-tech door (Image credit: arxiv.org)
Instead of a dedicated heart-rate sensor, the tool simply uses a motion-sensing accelerometer, the kind of which plenty of earbuds already pack.

An accelerometer is used to measure things like acceleration, vibration and orientation. In earbuds, they can be used for different tools: gesture controls, head tracking or spatial audio, depending on the bud.

Some low-end earbuds may miss them, but generally, it's a common component. And so, in theory, AccLock could work on many earbuds, using the
accelerometer to recognize your heartbeat. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Again, this is all hypothetical, but sometimes these studies can mirror what companies are actually considering. For example new research we reported on regarding AirPods with cameras is matched by some reports suggesting Apple is actually considering adding this tech to future AirPods. The best wireless earbuds for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best earbuds 1. Best overall: Technics EAH-AZ100 2. Best mid-range: Cambridge Audio A100 3. Best budget: Nothing Ear (a) 4. Best for noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/youve-heard-of-touch-id-and-fa ce-id-but-is-ear-id-next-researchers-have-detailed-a-new-tech-would-let-you-us e-airpods-or-similar-buds-to-prove-who-you-are-and-unlock-your-gadgets-and-its -actually-your-heartrate-that-they-detect


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