Apple’s new AirPods… equipped with a camera!

According to popular company analyst Ming-Chi Guo, Apple is adding a camera to its wireless AirPods.

The company plans to launch AirPods equipped with an infrared (IR) camera similar to the one used in Face ID technology on iPhones.

Apple is expected to begin mass production of new camera-equipped AirPods by 2026. Apple’s traditional partner Foxconn will be the supplier of these cameras. However, it is not known whether this camera will come in Pro versions, regular versions or all versions.

Foxconn operates at an annual production capacity of about 18 to 20 million units, or about two units for every 10 million units of speakers, and actual camera demand will depend on market conditions, the analyst said.

Previous reports have indicated that Apple is working on introducing two new models of fourth-generation AirPods headphones this year, and won’t upgrade to Pro versions until 2025.

According to Guo, there are several reasons why Apple is offering its wireless headphones with a camera, including to improve the spatial audio experience with Vision Pro glasses and other similar future products.

The new headphones equipped with an IR camera may allow users to use new gestures, such as “controlling gestures in the air to improve human-device interaction,” and Apple has already filed patents in this area. (Arabic)