Apple is reportedly developing a new AirPods model with a built-in infrared camera.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is said to be developing a new AirPods model with an integrated infrared camera, expected to be mass produced in 2026. The combination of these improved AirPods with Vision Pro glasses could bring a more vivid virtual space experience to users.
The system will use an IR receiver similar to the one currently used on the iPhone's Face ID receiver. Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on his personal blog that the IR camera will be supplied by Foxconn, which plans to produce 18 to 20 million units per year, enough to supply 10 million pairs of AirPods.
The new AirPods will also be used to deliver more immersive spatial audio experiences and “enhance the spatial computing ecosystem” on the Vision Pro and other headsets Apple may offer in the future.
“For example, when a user is watching a video using Vision Pro while wearing this new AirPods model, if the user turns his head to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio experience,” Kuo said.
Since the IR camera can “detect changes in the visual environment,” gestures could be used to enhance interactions between the user and the device. Kuo also notes that Apple has filed for a patent in this area.
"Apple's plans for hardware, software, and services focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the ecosystem, and space computing is no exception. As the commercialization conditions for space computing develop strongly in the future, and Apple, which is a leader in this field, is expected to create new and strong growth momentum," Kuo said.
In addition, AirPods with integrated cameras could also bring other benefits such as "in-air" control via an infrared module that works similarly to the FaceID facial recognition feature. Previously, Bloomberg expert Mark Gurman also mentioned that Apple was considering the idea of AirPods with integrated cameras.
For those who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on Vision Pro, the infrared camera on AirPods still offers a number of practical benefits. Apple plans to mass produce the headphones by 2026, supply chain sources say.
