Apple is working on a new generation of the AirPods, which according to rumors is expanded with a number of small cameras. This is why.
AirPods get cameras
Where the AirPods are now mainly intended for listening to music and making phone calls, that will probably change in the future. According to the usually reliable Apple connoisseur Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a generation of the AirPods, which is being expanded with a number of small cameras. It would be the first time that Apple provides the AirPods with cameras.
Gurman has not indicated for which functions the cameras are intended. In any case, it is not expected that the AirPods can take photos or videos with the cameras. Instead, it concerns infrared lenses that can scan the environment. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, these cameras look like the Face ID sensor, which we are already seeing in the iPhone and the iPad.
New functions
With the cameras, the AirPods probably function better in combination with the iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision Pro. In this way the spatial audio is better tailored to the digital environment of the headset if you look at a certain direction. The sound that comes from this direction becomes more clearly audible in that case to create a more realistic experience.
That is not all, because with the cameras the AirPods may also receive support for hand gestures. The lenses register the gestures with which you can operate the AirPods or other Apple devices from a distance. This function would be interesting for all users, because for example you can pause the music on your iPhone through hand gestures. This is reminiscent of the way the Vision Pro is already being served.
AirPods with cameras will come in 2026
It is also expected that the AirPods with cameras will ensure improved accessibility of the ears. With the lenses it is possible to scan the environment, which is useful if, for example, you are visually impaired. Objects in the room are registered and described where necessary, so that the user is aware of the classification of the room. That would be a handy addition to the accessibility of the AirPods.
According to Kuo, the mass production of the AirPods with cameras only starts in 2026. That means that the advanced ears will appear on the market next year or in 2027. This is probably the AirPods Pro, the regular ears have no lenses for the time being. Are you now looking for new AirPods and don’t want to wait that long? Then view the lowest prices of the AirPods Pro 2 here:
Apple Airpods Pro 2 Deals
Compare all Apple Airpods Pro 2 prices