Apple is reportedly developing the next version of the AirPods Pro, which may have cameras.
The AirPods Pro 3 was released a month ago, while the cheaper AirPods 4 were released in September 2024. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new Pro update and a new AirPods 5.
While there’s no official timeline for either, Gurman’s report estimates that the next AirPods Pro and AirPods 5 will be released in 2026. It’s unclear what the updated AirPods Pro will be called, or whether it will be the AirPods Pro 4 or the updated AirPods Pro 3.
Apple is expected to launch several products early next year, including the iPhone 17e, new MacBook Air models, a redesigned iPad Air and an affordable iPad.
An Apple representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If true, the camera integration would coincide with the AirPods Pro a prediction according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said in June 2024: “Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026.”
Kuo said at the time that the cameras would be infrared cameras so advanced that people could control the device with simple gestures in the air. The camera is similar to the iPhone’s Face ID receiver, Kuo said.
Do we really need empty gestures?
youtubers Jon Rittinger of JFL Network said he’s not sure if integrating cameras into AirPods Pro is a necessity, but added that he’d like to prove otherwise.
However, Apple has dominated the audio headset market. Sales have decreased every year. since its peak during the covid-19 pandemic.