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Apple is preparing to bring camera technology in its AirPods Pro. These AirPods, which will be launched in 2026, will have infrared sensors that will provide better interaction with devices like AI and Vision Pro.
Apple is preparing to bring the biggest change ever in its AirPods lineup. According to reports, the company is working on a new AirPods Pro model in 2026 which will have integrated infrared (IR) cameras. This camera technology will not only enable better gesture and head tracking but will also help in deeper integration with Apple’s AI and Mixed Reality (Vision Pro) ecosystem.
According to reports, these new AirPods Pro will use the same IR sensor that is found in the iPhone’s TrueDepth system. These sensors will help in tracking the user’s gestures and head movements. This can make the audio experience and interaction with devices like Vision Pro more natural and intelligent.
It is being said that this new camera version will not replace the recently launched AirPods Pro 3, but will be offered as an advanced premium option. With this, Apple will give users different options according to performance and price, just like the two variants of AirPods 4 (ANC and standard).
There will be a big expansion in the AirPods lineup
If the leaks prove true, Apple’s AirPods family in 2026 could look like this:
AirPods Pro 3 (with camera)
AirPods Pro 3 (Standard Version)
AirPods 4 (ANC and non-ANC versions)
AirPods Max.
This will be the largest AirPods portfolio till date, which clearly shows that Apple is going to further diversify its wearables segment.
AI and Vision Integration – Combining Audio and Vision
The addition of camera sensors is believed to be directly linked to Apple’s AI and Spatial Computing vision. These sensors will help AirPods to understand the surrounding environment, detect user gestures and connect smartly to devices like Vision Pro.
However, Apple has not yet given any official statement on this project. But the launch timeline of 2026 indicates that the company is moving ahead with its big plan of combining ‘Sound + Sight + Intelligence’ for the next generation.
Afreen Afaq started her career as a tech journalist with Network 18, and has over six years of experience in the ‘mobile-technology’ beat. She is an established and proven high performance professional…read more
Afreen Afaq started her career as a tech journalist with Network 18, and has over six years of experience in the ‘mobile-technology’ beat. She is an established and proven high performance professional… read more
