Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, featuring an IR camera, according to report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
His report states; "The new AirPods is expected to be used with Vision
Pro and future Apple headsets to enhance the user experience of spatial audio and strengthen
the spatial computing ecosystem. 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 emphasised to enhance
the spatial audio/computing experience.
The IR camera can detect environmental image changes, potentially enabling
in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction. It is worth noting that Apple has
filed related patents in this area. Apple’s planning for hardware, software and services has always
focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the ecosystem, and spatial computing is no exception."