Analyst says next-gen Apple AirPods could feature camera modules

The Apple AirPods series is due for a refresh, and the upcoming wireless earbuds could have something that the predecessors didn't come with. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a known analyst, the upcoming AirPods could feature camera modules, and they will reportedly enter the mass production phase in 2026.

These camera modules aren't the same sensors you find on the back of your iPhone, though. Instead, Ming-Chi Kuo reports that they are infrared (IR) sensors, similar to those that Apple uses for Face ID on its phones. These upgraded Apple AirPods are expected to pair well with Vision Pro and other headsets that the company may release in the future.

With the IR camera modules, these wireless earbuds will reportedly offer an improved spatial audio experience. Kuo explains that the IR cameras can determine the specific direction the users are turning their heads towards, and this could allow the sound source in that direction to be further emphasized to offer a better spatial experience.

Kuo further says that the IR cameras on the AirPods could help detect environmental image changes. This could potentially allow "in-air gesture control" to offer better interaction with Apple headsets. Worth noting that the previous reports suggested that the company would be launching two 4th generation wireless earbuds this year.

If they stand correct, we may not see the rumored 4th generation models coming with camera modules. Kuo isn't the only one reporting about AirPods with built-in camera modules, though. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported something similar back in February.

Gurman also added that AirPods with IR cameras is one of the wearable ideas that Apple is experimenting with. The company is also said to be investigating a product similar to Meta Ray-Bans, a smart ring, and a revamped Apple Watch (40 mm SE 2nd Gen curr. $189 on Amazon).