Apple is working on a version of AirPods with built-in cameras, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
While this technology is not expected in AirPods Pro 3, which may launch this year, Apple is exploring the idea for future models.
Why Would AirPods Have Cameras?
Apple’s goal is to integrate Visual Intelligence, a feature introduced with iPhone 16. This AI-powered tool helps users understand and interact with the world around them.
With camera-equipped AirPods, users might be able to ask Siri about their surroundings without pulling out their iPhone.
Additionally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that these cameras could enhance spatial audio for Apple’s Vision Pro.
The AirPods could adjust sound based on where the user is looking, improving the immersive experience.
Another possibility is in-air gesture control, allowing users to navigate music and calls with hand movements.
When to Expect Camera-Enabled AirPods
According to reports, Apple may not release these AirPods until 2027. By then, Apple could also introduce smart glasses similar to the Meta Ray-Bans, using Vision Pro technology to deliver real-world information to users.
For now, Apple’s next AirPods update will likely focus on better sound quality and AI-powered features without cameras. But in a few years, AirPods could be much more than just wireless earbuds.