Apple may add cameras to new AirPods models, allowing Vision Pro-style gesture control for playback, calls, and AI features. Learn about the rumors and potential uses.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple may add cameras to new AirPods models, potentially enabling Vision Pro-style gesture support. According to an insider, built-in cameras would allow the device to activate Apple's artificial intelligence features and possibly control playback, calls, and volume through gestures.
Rumors about cameras in AirPods first surfaced nearly two years ago. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple is working on this feature, though its exact purpose remains unclear. Several possibilities exist: internal cameras for health monitoring, external cameras for environmental analysis, or a combination of both.
The primary goal is likely hand gesture recognition, which would make controlling the earbuds simpler and more intuitive than current touch and head movement controls. Users could perform actions like play/pause, track switching, noise cancellation management, or answering calls without touching the earbuds.
With the integration of cameras and AI, AirPods could expand their capabilities as headsets, making device interaction more natural. If Apple successfully combines earbud compactness with this new functionality, it would represent a significant step forward for future smart earbuds.