Prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple plans to start mass-producing new AirPods with built-in infrared camera modules by 2026. As spotted by 9to5Mac, Kuo wrote in a Medium post that these infrared cameras are expected to be similar to the Face ID receivers found in iPhones.
Foxconn to supply infrared components
The new infrared components are reportedly being supplied by Foxconn, with the Taiwanese electronics company initially gearing up to supply around 10 million AirPods. It remains to be seen which AirPods model will be the first to feature the technology, but Kuo said the AirPods Pro seems the most likely candidate given Vision Pro’s exclusive support for lossless audio.
Also read: Poco F6 review: This phone has the firepower it needs to beat its rivals
“Foxconn is a new product introduction (NPI) supplier for thermal cameras, with planned annual production capacity of 18-20 million units and approximately 10 million AirPods. Actual demand and orders are subject to market conditions,” Kuo wrote.
Also read: Jio hikes prices of prepaid and postpaid plans
The IR camera in AirPods is designed to work with Apple Vision Pro and upcoming headsets to improve spatial computing and audio experiences. These cameras can detect changes in the environment, enabling a wider range of gestures and improving user interaction. For example, if a user is watching a video with Apple Vision Pro and the new AirPods, turning their head in a particular direction will enhance the sound coming from that direction, improving the spatial audio experience.
“Apple’s hardware, software and service plans have always focused on enhancing the competitiveness of the ecosystem, and spatial computing is no exception. In the future, as the commercialization conditions for spatial computing mature, Apple, with its significant lead in this field, is expected to generate new and powerful growth momentum,” Kuo further pointed out.
If you recall, in early February, Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman reported that Apple was exploring several ideas for wearable form factors, including camera-equipped AirPods. The company is also considering developing Meta Ray-Ban-like smart glasses, a smart ring, and future versions of the Apple Watch.
