Famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple intends to begin mass production of new AirPods featuring built-in infrared camera modules by 2026. These IR cameras are expected to resemble the Face ID receivers found in iPhones, Kuo wrote in a post on Medium, as spotted by 9to5Mac.
Foxconn To Supply Infrared Components
Foxconn is reportedly the supplier for the new infrared components, with the Taiwanese electronics company gearing up to supply parts for around 10 million AirPods initially. While it remains uncertain which AirPods model will first feature this technology, the AirPods Pro seem the most probable candidate, given their existing exclusive support for lossless audio with the Vision Pro, according to Kuo.
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“Foxconn is the new product introduction (NPI) supplier for the IR camera, with an annual capacity plan of 18–20 million units, or about 10 million AirPods. Actual demand and orders will depend on market conditions,” Kuo wrote.
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The IR cameras on AirPods are designed to work with Apple Vision Pro and upcoming headsets, aiming to improve spatial computing and audio experiences. These cameras can detect changes in the environment, enabling a wider range of gestures for better user interaction. For instance, if a user is watching a video with Apple Vision Pro and the new AirPods, turning their head to look in a specific direction can enhance the sound from that direction, thereby improving the spatial audio experience.
“Apple’s planning for hardware, software and services has always focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the ecosystem, and spatial computing is no exception. As the commercialization conditions for spatial computing mature in the future, Apple, which has a significant lead in this area, is expected to generate new and strong growth momentum,” Kuo further noted.
To recall, earlier in February, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg News reported that Apple is exploring several wearable form factor ideas, including AirPods equipped with cameras. The company is also investigating the development of smart glasses akin to Meta Ray-Bans, a smart ring, and future iterations of the Apple Watch.
