According to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is targeting to begin mass production of new “AirPods with camera modules” by 2026, 9TO5Mac reported. This report comes after Bloomberg also noted Apple’s plans for developing AirPods with cameras back in February.
According to Kuo, these new AirPods will feature an infrared camera similar to what’s used as part of the Face ID module on iPhone and iPad. Apple’s goal is reportedly for the camera-equipped AirPods to integrate with Vision Pro and future Apple Vision headsets.
Additionally, the report says that the IR camera on AirPods could detect environmental image changes, “potentially enabling in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction.”
Gizmodo reported Apple is reportedly bringing cameras to AirPods, ear hairs be damned.
The $3 trillion company intends to mass-produce revamped earbuds with built-in infrared cameras by 2026, according to the new report from analyst and longtime Apple insider Ming-Chi-Kuo. The cameras could help Apple shore up its current and future augmented-reality headsets with enhanced spatial audio features, the analyst wrote.
Citing a supply-chain survey, Kup indicated that pairing these enhanced buds with Vision Pro goggles could make Apple’s spacial-computing experience more lifelike. For example, “if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction could be emphasized,” said the analyst.
For folks not interested in dropping thousands on an Apple headset, the IR cameras could offer other perks, including bringing “in-air” gestures to AirPods, per Kuo. The IR module could be similar to the receiver that powers Apple’s facial recognition feature, FaceID.
TechRadar reported Apple is rumored to be planning to add a new model to its line-up of the best AirPods: specifically, AirPods with infrared cameras installed, which can be paired with a Vision Pro headset and create a spatial audio experience that changes as you move your head.
This comes from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is right more often than not when it comes to Apple predictions. However, the IR-enabled AirPods aren’t going to be available anytime soon, with mass production said to start in 2026.
It’s worth noting that back in February, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also reported that AirPods with cameras were being looked at by Apple. That’s two good sources to back up this rumor, TechRadar reported, though of course Apple’s plans can always change.
Apple Insider reported that in his full blog post, Kuo says this information comes from his latest supply chain survey. By 2026, Apple’s AirPods range will inch at least one that has an infra-red (IR) camera, he says.
It will detect when the user’s environment changes, typically because they have moved their head. Kuo says this means that the AirPods will be able to relay direction to the Apple Vision Pro, which will then adjust the balance of any playing Spatial Audio.
In my opinion, I think some Apple users will want to purchase these new AirPods. The big question is – what will they cost?