Apple is making some radical changes to AirPods. The latest reports suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning to mass-produce the AirPods with cameras. Earlier this year Bloomberg reported that Apple is developing an AirPods with cameras. Now the popular analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that Apple is targeting to begin mass production of new “AirPods with camera modules” by 2026.
Cameras on AirPods
According to Kuo, the new AirPods will incorporate an infrared camera akin to those used on iPhones and iPads. Apple is said to use these camera-equipped AirPods, which will seamlessly integrate with Vision Pro and forthcoming Apple Vision headsets.
Furthermore, the report states that the IR camera on AirPods could detect environmental image changes. This could potentially enable in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction.
Moreover, Kuo says Foxconn, the “new product introduction” supplier, will make the IR cameras for AirPods. Foxconn’s annual capacity is estimated at 18-20 million units, enough for 10 million AirPods.
Other Changes
Apple is also working on AirPods with a screen. Recently, a patent filed by the tech giant floated on the internet, revealing that the company is exploring the possibility of putting a display on the AirPods case. The patent documents showcase a rectangular display at the front of the Apple AirPods case.
However, we should not expect an AirPod with a display coming anytime soon. Apple files several patent applications time and again, which may or may not see the light of the day. Apple hasn’t revealed any details on what changes it is planning for the AirPods. Hence, it would be best to take these details with a grain of salt.
