Apple is reportedly preparing a major upgrade to its AirPods Pro lineup, and the biggest change may not be audio-related. According to leaker and prototype collector Kosutami, the next-generation AirPods Pro will feature infrared (IR) cameras or sensors in each earbud, enabling the devices to “see” the user’s surroundings.
What the Cameras Could Do
These cameras are not for taking photos or videos. Instead, they’re expected to power advanced spatial awareness and AI features, including:
- Hand gesture recognition- controlling playback, volume, or calls without touching your device
- Enhanced spatial audio- more precise 3D sound positioning, particularly when paired with Apple’s Vision Pro headset
- Contextual awareness- detecting movement or surroundings to offer smarter, more interactive experiences
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, has also suggested that infrared sensors could provide visual intelligence features, aligning with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s focus on AI that understands context, motion, and environment.
Design and Hardware Updates
Reports indicate that the next AirPods Pro will look largely like the current AirPods Pro 3, with the IR cameras as the standout new feature. Other expected improvements include:
- H3 chip for better wireless performance and lower latency
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- USB-C and MagSafe charging support
- Built-in speaker for Find My
Also Read: Apple’s Back Tap Feature Makes Smart Home Control Effortless
Pricing And Launch Date
Kosutami claims the new AirPods Pro will retain the $249 price of the current model. However, analysts suggest a slightly higher price (around $299) is more likely if Apple sells it alongside the standard AirPods Pro 3. This approach would mirror the AirPods 4 lineup, which offers multiple models at different price points.
While Apple has not confirmed a release date, it typically announces new AirPods during its September iPhone event. That suggests a fall 2026 launch, although an earlier debut cannot be entirely ruled out.
