Apple AirPods with camera to enter mass production in 2026

Since its inception, the core design of Apple AirPods has remained intact over the years. However, now, the next-generation AirPods featuring a camera will enter mass production in 2026. This will help Apple to integrate with the Vision Pro and upcoming spatial computers, possibly with a design change. The next AirPods is said to feature camera hardware similar to the FaceID receiver setup.

The next AirPods is said to feature camera hardware similar to the FaceID receiver setup, featuring an infrared sensor. This will enhance the user experience while watching a video by offering an enhanced spatial audio experience.

It is however, unclear if the upcoming AirPods will look different or continue to carry the signature AirPods design. Additionally, the camera hardware is also said to be capable of detecting environmental changes, which could enable air gestures, allowing users to control the AirPods using air gestures, without actually touching them.

Foxconn is said to be the new product introduction (NPI) supplier for the AirPods. Annually, the company is reported to produce 18 to 20 million sensors for over 10 million pairs of AirPods.

Apple AirPods, originally introduced alongside the iPhone 7 series, have been the most popular wireless earphones across the world. Over the last few years, Apple has improved the AirPods with several new features and also announced new capabilities at the recently held 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). With new camera hardware, Apple is likely looking at a bit more than just making them compatible with Vision Pro, for which one has to wait until the second half of 2026.