Apple to Add Infrared Camera Modules to AirPods in 2026 for Enhanced Spatial Audio
TapTechNews June 30th, Kuo Ming-chi disclosed today that Apple plans to add infrared camera modules to AirPods headphones in 2026.
According to the introduction, these modules are different from the infrared night vision cameras commonly seen in mobile phones. It only provides environmental depth information (won't provide image information) and is mainly used to improve the user's spatial audio experience:
The new AirPods are expected to be used along with headsets such as VisionPro to enhance the user experience of spatial audio and strengthen Apple's'spatial computing ecosystem'. For example, when a user wears this new AirPods to watch a video using VisionPro, if the user turns their head to look in a specific direction, the headphones can better detect the angle/acceleration of the user's head with the infrared camera module, thereby adjusting the sound source to make the user feel a more immersive effect.
In reference to TapTechNews' previous report, on February 25th of this year, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman also disclosed that Apple is studying how to equip cameras and more advanced artificial intelligence and health sensors on AirPods headphones. The code name of this project is B798, which started last year, and the core idea is to find a way to embed a lower-resolution camera sensor into AirPods headphones.
However, Gurman said that Apple adds the relevant cameras to assist users in their daily lives. For example, can rely on AI to answer questions about the object the user is observing.
Exactly what the camera of Apple's new AirPods headphones will be used for, TapTechNews will continue to pay attention.
Related reading:
Exploring various possibilities of wearable devices, Gurman says Apple is planning AirPods with cameras and smart rings.