Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple could equip a future AirPods variant with camera modules. The earbuds may incorporate an IR camera, like the one Apple uses for iPhone’s Face ID.
This will apparently help the AirPods Pro to better integrate with the Vision Pro and improve the spatial computing experience.
2026 AirPods could pack IR cameras
The last major AirPods Pro refresh came in September 2022, with the debut of the second-generation model. Since then, Apple has updated its flagship earbuds with a USB-C charging case and MagSafe support. Rumors suggest the third-generation model, with an updated design and other improvements, should launch later this year.
Apple appears to have bigger plans with a future AirPods refresh, though. In a Medium post, TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will mass-produce AirPods with IR camera modules in 2026. He makes this claim based on his latest supply chain check. Foxconn will apparently supply the new IR camera with an annual capacity of around 10 million units.
AirPods with IR cameras could support in-air gesture control
The analyst says the IR camera will help the AirPods integrate with the Vision Pro. As an example, Kuo says, “When a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience.”
Thanks to the IR camera, the AirPods seemingly support in-air gesture control by detecting changes in the environment.
Over the years, we have heard rumors that Apple is working on AirPods with health sensors. They could pack a temperature sensor to monitor your body temperature. While Kuo did not mention it, Apple might use the IR camera to track temperature changes. However, the 2026 AirPods is over two years from launch, and a lot could change by then. The company could run into some issues, forcing it to delay or change its plans.
