A while back, it was rumored that Apple was developing new AirPods models with built-in cameras. Now, this week’s Bloomberg report indicates that the rumored model is in its advanced testing stage.
This rumored model is expected to look similar to the current AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, as this may suggest, the stems on this model are expected to be slightly longer to accommodate the cameras and their indicator lights. In case you’re wondering, no, these cameras aren’t expected for you to take photos or videos, but rather, they’ll be used for Visual Intelligence. One way this could work is for the IR cameras to use the highly anticipated (finally more capable) Siri to gather information about their surroundings. The user would look around and prompt Siri, similar to how quick image uploads work in chatbot apps. Additionally, the cameras could offer many helpful features that could improve the overall user experience, including reminders and in-depth turn-by-turn directions. There are numerous rumors that iOS 27 will be more focused on intelligence features, including a Siri-powered version of the built-in Camera app that integrates Visual Intelligence even further, so this upcoming AirPods model could launch alongside the next major platform release (version 27).
It’s clear that Apple really wants to get it right when it comes to artificial intelligence, as Apple even confirmed that Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini. It’s unknown what these AirPods would be called. While some speculate that they could be called either the next-generation AirPods Pro 4, or even the AirPods Pro with cameras, I’d place my bets on these to be called the “AirPods Ultra.” After all, Gurman has rumored that Apple could launch several more “Ultra” products by the end of this year, including the foldable “iPhone Ultra.” Only time will tell, but it looks like this might be one of Apple’s smartest products yet.
