new AirPods will feature an IR camera similar to the Face ID module found in iPhones and iPads. The primary objective of this integration is to enhance the spatial audio capabilities of Apple’s current and future AR headsets, including the Vision Pro
 "Apple is planning to make Air Pods with in-built cameras starting from 2026")
Apple is reportedly planning to add cameras to its AirPods, with mass production of these revamped earbuds expected by 2026.
Kuo’s report indicates that these new AirPods will feature an IR camera similar to the Face ID module found in iPhones and iPads. The primary objective of this integration is to enhance the spatial audio capabilities of Apple’s current and future AR headsets, including the Vision Pro. The IR camera on the AirPods is expected to detect environmental image changes, which could enable in-air gesture control, thereby improving human-device interaction.
This development, revealed by analyst and Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo, suggests that the tech giant aims to incorporate built-in infrared (IR) cameras into the AirPods to enhance their functionality, particularly in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) headsets.
This improvement stems from a supply-chain survey cited by Kuo, which highlights the potential for a more lifelike interaction when combining the enhanced AirPods with Vision Pro.
For users not interested in purchasing an Apple headset, the IR cameras in the AirPods could still offer benefits such as in-air gesture controls. This functionality, similar to the Face ID feature, could bring new ways to interact with devices using hand movements in the air.
The integration of these enhanced AirPods with Vision Pro goggles could significantly elevate Apple’s spatial-computing experience.
For instance, if users turn their heads to look in a particular direction, the sound source from that direction could be emphasized, creating a more immersive experience.
The idea of camera-equipped AirPods is not entirely new. An earlier report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned Apple’s interest in exploring this concept. Kuo’s latest insights add weight to these speculations and provide more details on the potential implementation.
Should Apple proceed with this innovation, it would continue the company’s trend of continuously enhancing its iconic white earbuds.
Over the years, Apple has added features such as wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, head tracking, touch controls, and voice commands to the AirPods, transforming them from simple earbuds into sophisticated tech accessories.
Foxconn has been identified as the new product introduction (NPI) supplier for the IR cameras to be used in the AirPods. According to Kuo, Foxconn’s annual capacity plan is between 18-20 million units, translating to approximately 10 million pairs of AirPods.
There have also been discussions about incorporating health-tracking features into AirPods, although Apple has yet to release such functionality.
Other companies, like Amazfit with its Powerbuds Pro, have attempted this but with limited success. Even specialised fitness brands like Fitbit and Garmin have not integrated advanced health-tracking tech into their earbuds, possibly due to the challenges involved.
Read More-Infinix launches Zero Book Ultra AI PC with Intel Core Ultra processor, starts from Rs 59,990
