The technological giant Apple continues to explore the possibility of incorporating tiny cameras in its airpods in the near future, according to Mark Gurman, a journalist specialized in Bloomberg technology. In its weekly bulletin Power ONGurman briefly mentioned this surprising idea as part of Apple’s vision for the future of the wearables, although he did not explain the specific functions that these cameras would have.
Far from being simple cameras to take images or record videos, Apple’s proposal points to more sophisticated use. According to the Ming-Chi Kuo supply chain analyst, the cameras would be designed to act as infrared sensorssimilar to Face ID receptors in the iPhone.
Airpods with cameras in 2026
In a June 2024 publication, Kuo said that these new airpods with infrared cameras would begin their mass production by 2026, marking a new standard in the space audio experience.
But what would this technology contribute exactly? According to Kuo, the integration of infrared sensors would have a significant impact on the Apple ecosystem, especially in combination with the mixed reality viewer Apple Vision Pro. For example, when a user is seeing content with the vision Pro and uses these new airpods, the direction in which the head turns could influence the sound experience, highlighting the sounds from that direction to improve the realism of the space audio. That is, they would complement the Space audio
This level of immersion not only promises to transform how we enjoy multimedia content, but also could open the door to revolutionary functions such as gesture control. Infrared sensor technology would allow users to interact with their devices simply by moving their hands in space, without physically touching any device.
Space audio at another level and more functions
Although all this sounds for science fiction, Apple’s plans are closer to what it seems. If the mass production scheduled for 2026 continues its course, these airpods with infrared cameras could get to the market in 2026 or 2027. This would position them as an essential accessory for those who seek the latest in immersive technology.
Apple’s strategy with these innovative headphones reinforces their interest in consolidating as a leader in the wearable field, expanding the capacities of products that are already part of the day -to -day life of millions of users. If these characteristics were confirmed, the new airpods would be much more than simple headphones: they would become an advanced extension of the Apple ecosystem, merging audio, mixed reality and gestural control in a single device.
Although we still do not know the rest of this device, what is clear is that Apple does not stop looking for ways to surprise and revolutionize the market. These airpods could be a key piece in their vision of a future in which devices are not only tools, but also immersive experiences that transform the way we interact with technology. We will have to wait to see if this ambitious proposal materializes, but one thing is safe: Apple does not stop dreaming big, and that keeps us expectant.
