Apple is still exploring the use of tiny cameras in future AirPods models, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. The cameras would likely make an appearance as infrared sensors.
Gurman reiterated the possibility on Sunday, when he discussed Apple executive Mike Rockwell becoming the new head of Siri development:
Rockwell’s experience with hardware also could help the company more deeply embed AI into its future devices. Already, the company is exploring the idea of AirPods with outward-facing cameras that could feed data to AI.
In October 2024, Gurman said Apple was working on smart glasses, as well as AirPods with built-in cameras, aiming for a potential release in 2027.
In June 2024, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple planned to sell new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. He indicated that the infrared camera component would be similar to the iPhone’s Face ID receiver and would provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
“For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience,” wrote Kuo.
