A recent report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple is gearing up to begin automation of brand-new “AirPods with cam modules” by 2026. This information complies with previous reports from Bloomberg in February that additionally highlighted Apple’s strategies to create AirPods with incorporated cameras.
Kuo exposes that the upcoming AirPods will be geared up with an infrared video camera comparable to the one utilized in the Face ID innovation discovered in iPhones and iPads. Apple’s goal is for these camera-enabled AirPods to flawlessly integrate with Vision Pro and future Apple Vision headsets, enhancing the spatial audio experience for individuals:
The enhanced AirPods are expected to operate in conjunction with Vision Pro and upcoming Apple headsets to elevate the spatial audio customer experience and strengthen the spatial computer ecosystem. For instance, while watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing the new AirPods, users can experience directional sound focus by just turning their heads, thus boosting the spatial audio/computing experience.
In addition, the record suggests that the infrared camera on the AirPods can potentially discover changes in the surrounding atmosphere, allowing motion control in the air to boost human-device interaction.
Kuo mentions that Foxconn is the designated “new item introduction (NPI) supplier” for the infrared cam to be made use of in the AirPods. Foxconn is supposedly going for an annual production ability of 18-20 million devices, comparable to approximately 10 million pairs of AirPods.
In a previous report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman pointed out that AirPods with cams are simply one of the wearable form factor ideas being checked out by Apple. The company is additionally delving into wise glasses similar to Meta Ray-Bans, a smart ring, and future versions of the Apple Watch.
In conclusion, while the integration with Vision Pro is a substantial function, it is likely that Apple has added innovative ideas on how these camera-equipped AirPods can interact with advanced multi-modal voice-and-image AI systems.
