Apple is gearing up to change the game once again — this time with a new version of AirPods that will come with built-in infrared (IR) cameras. Industry expert, Ming-Chi Kuo says these futuristic earbuds are expected to enter mass production in 2026 and may work closely with devices like the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Why is Apple adding cameras to AirPods?
The new camera-enabled AirPods could help support hand gesture controls in the air, allowing users to interact with their devices in a more natural and immersive way — something like “touching” buttons in the air. The cameras, being infrared, will track environmental changes and hand movements without needing to rely on screens or physical buttons.
This is Apple’s clever way of bridging the gap between regular gadgets and future-focused tech like smart glasses or mixed reality headsets.
The idea is to make AirPods more than just audio accessories. They’ll be able to pass along visual data to your iPhone, even when it’s in your pocket. This will boost the performance of Apple’s new AI system, Apple Intelligence, which depends heavily on real-time data for smarter interactions.
Enhancing sound with direction
With the help of these cameras, Apple also wants to improve how you experience sound. Imagine using AirPods with the Vision Pro headset, and when you turn your head to face a specific direction, the sound gets clearer from that angle, just like it would in real life. This could bring an entirely new dimension to gaming, video watching, or even just enjoying music.,
Foxconn to handle production
Apple is teaming up with trusted manufacturing partner Foxconn to produce around 10 million units every year. That means this isn’t a far-off experiment — Apple is serious about this rollout, and they’re going big.
Apple is doing this not just to stay ahead of the competition, but to prepare users for a future where gadgets do more without needing you to even look at a screen. Whether it’s for health, convenience, or just looking cool, these new AirPods are shaping up to be a big leap — and Nigerians who love the latest tech trends will no doubt be paying attention.
