Apple Considers Building Cameras Into AirPods

Apple is considering integrating infrared cameras into future models of its popular AirPods wireless earbuds, according to a new report.

The news comes from an article published by respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

“My latest supply chain investigation indicates that Apple plans to mass produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, featuring an IR camera similar to the iPhone’s Face ID receiver (not the transmitter),” Kuo explains on Medium.

The analyst explains that the new AirPods technology would work in tandem with the Apple Vision Pro or any other headphones the company launches. Specifically, it could improve spatial audio features that change where the audio source is coming from. For example, if the sound is equal on both sides, when a user turns their head to the left, the right side could then be emphasized more, creating a more immersive listening experience.

Additionally, the infrared camera could “detect environmental image changes, potentially enabling in-air gesture control to improve human-device interaction.” While Kuo didn’t elaborate on what that might look like, it’s similar to the pinch gesture added to the Apple Watch, a gesture that doesn’t actually require the user to touch the device in question to interact with it.

Kuo also pointed out that Apple already has patents in this area, which lends credibility to such projects. It should be noted, however, that many tech companies may aggressively file patents to prevent competitors from doing so without intending to use them. Just because there is a patent for something doesn’t mean that technology or product will ever see the light of day.

If this rumor is true, Asian tech company Foxconn would be the supplier, “with an annual capacity plan of 18 to 20 million units, or about 10 million AirPods,” according to Kuo, since each side (left and right ear) would theoretically have its own camera.

As for the likelihood of this rumor, Kuo feels confident about it.

“Apple’s planning for hardware, software and services has always focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the ecosystem, and spatial computing is no exception,” Kuo said. “As the commercialization conditions for spatial computing mature in the future, Apple, which has a significant lead in this field, is expected to generate new and strong growth momentum.”

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.