Apple will release new AirPods with infrared cameras to enhance the spatial experience with the Vision Pro headphones, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a post on Medium, Kuo explained that Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with integrated IR camera modules by 2026. These IR cameras will apparently be similar to the iPhone’s Face ID receiver.
The purpose of the AirPods’ IR cameras is related to Apple Vision Pro and future headphones from the company, improving spatial computing and the audio experience. IR cameras can detect changes in the image of the environment, facilitating a wider range of gestures to improve user interaction. For example, if a user is watching a video using Apple Vision Pro and the new AirPods and turns their head to look in a certain direction, the sound source in that direction can be “emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience.”
Foxconn is said to be the supplier of the new IR component, with the Taiwanese electronics maker preparing to supply enough parts for around 10 million AirPods initially. It’s unclear which AirPods model is likely to get the feature first, but the AirPods Pro might be the most likely, as they already offer lossless audio exclusively with the Vision Pro.
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