Next AirPods Pro may include embedded cameras

Apple may be focusing on sight as well as sound for its next model of AirPods.

According to rumors on X, the next iteration of Apple's AirPods Pro may have embedded infrared (IR) cameras that can analyze the environment around the wearer. According to a leaker known as "Kosutami," these cameras are intended to improve spatial audio. Each earbud will supposedly have at least one camera.

This rumor lines up with claims from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who stated back in 2024 that Apple was working on AirPods with IR cameras. Kuo pegged 2026 as the release year for the IR-enabled AirPods. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also said in a March 2025 blog post that Apple was considering adding IR cameras to AirPods in the near future. Another leaker, known as "Instant Digital," also claims an IR version of AirPods Pro is coming this year.

However, the purpose of the IR cameras is still debated. Some tipsters claim they are intended to improve spatial audio, particularly when used with Apple's Vision Pro headset. Others seem to think they will be used for gesture controls, somewhat similar to the current head nodding and shaking for accepting or rejecting calls, respectively. 

Keep in mind all of these claims are merely rumors at this point. It's unclear whether these will be a new model of AirPods Pro or simply an improved version of the current AirPods Pro 3 earbuds (now available at Amazon for $209.99).