Apparently Apple is working on new AirPods with a camera. These new AirPods come with an infrared (IR) camera, similar to the camera built into the iPhone’s Face ID receiver. The Cupertino-based tech giant’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) is set to offer a more advanced spatial audio experience with the company’s mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. At WWDC last month, the company announced new features for AirPods, including gesture-based controls for interacting with Siri, head tracking while gaming, and improved sound during voice calls.
Apple has announced the release of AirPods with a built-in camera
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, wrote in a Medium post: “My latest supply chain research shows that Apple will have mass production of new AirPods with an IR camera module by 2026.” It’s worth noting that in a previous report AirPods with advanced cameras and sensors were also proposed in February.
The new AirPods features will reportedly be added to improve the spatial audio experience when paired with the Vision Pro and future Apple headsets. With the new headphones, when users watch a video on a mixed reality headset and turn their head in a certain direction, they will hear a louder or more emphasized sound coming from the sound source in that direction. The overall effect is intended to be a more immersive experience.
According to this report, the AirPods’ IR camera will be able to detect changes in the surrounding image. This allows Vision Pro users to detect when they move their head and the orientation of the video player changes in an augmented reality or virtual reality environment. In addition, the headphones may offer air gestures to interact with the device.
Ko claimed that Taiwan-based Foxconn was the supplier of Apple’s IR camera. The supply chain giant reportedly plans to produce 18 to 20 million units, which is roughly equivalent to 10 million AirPods. However, these figures are estimates and final production may vary depending on market conditions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
