Details on AirPods with cameras revealed by new research

Newly-revealed Apple research details just how AirPods could have cameras added to them — and exactly what benefits that would bring.

It could be a complicated saucepan instead of AirPods, but this detail from the patent shows it's got cameras — image credit: Apple

Back in June 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that infra-red cameras would come to AirPods, specifically to help enhance Spatial Audio in the Apple Vision Pro. He then doubled down on this a year later, saying that camera-equipped AirPods will be launched in 2026.

Now a newly-granted patent called "Wavelength mixing for optical systems," proves that Apple has at least been investigating the idea. As ever with a patent, it seeks to describe technology without particularly giving examples of its practical use, but for once, it gives a little list of devices such cameras could be fitted to.Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums