Insider: Apple may add minicameras to AirPods for gesture control
Apple continues to explore the possibility of launching AirPods headphones with built-in miniature cameras. This was reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in his latest report.
Here's What We Know
It is expected that these cameras will not be designed for photo or video shooting. Instead, they will function as infrared sensors that can be used to improve spatial audio and gesture control. In June 2024, a well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple plans to start mass production of such AirPods in 2026. He noted that the infrared sensors would be similar to those used in Face ID on the iPhone.
According to Kuo, such headphones can be an ideal complement to the Apple Vision Pro headset. For example, if the user is viewing content in Vision Pro and turns his head in a certain direction, the sound effects will change according to the head position, creating a more realistic presence effect.
Another potential use case is "gesture control in the air". Infrared cameras can allow interaction with devices using hand gestures, which will be an important step in the development of contactless device control.
If all goes according to plan, AirPods with the new sensors could be launched in 2026 or 2027.
Source: MacRumors