Apple seems to be gearing up for a big update to its upcoming AirPods. A recent rumor suggests that the company may be adding camera sensors to these devices. However, the twist is that these cameras won’t be used for capturing images. Instead, they are expected to provide a range of new features.
Upcoming Features of AirPods
The information about Apple’s new AirPods comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg in his latest PowerOn newsletter. It looks like the tech giant from Cupertino wants to integrate cameras into future versions of AirPods, but these won’t be traditional cameras; they are likely to be IR (Infrared) sensors. Unlike regular cameras, these sensors are not meant for taking photos.
Insights from Analysts
Gurman didn’t go into much detail about the new AirPods, but analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has provided more insights in the past. The company might utilize these sensors for tracking health-related data. This isn’t the first time such an unusual combination has been mentioned, as Kuo hinted at similar features last year. There’s also a possibility that these infrared sensors could enhance the spatial audio experience.
Potential for Gesture Controls
Moreover, the addition of infrared technology could enable Apple to implement gesture controls on the AirPods. These might involve air gestures that interpret hand movements as input. If everything goes as planned, Apple could start mass production of these AirPods equipped with the cameras by 2026, which could point to a launch either late that year or early in 2027. So, it’s still some time before they hit the market. Remember, though, this is all still speculation, so it’s wise to remain skeptical about this information for now.
