Apple AirPods to Get IR Camera for Better Spatial Audio Effect: Report
Apple AirPods
By Himani Jha | Updated Jul 1, 2024, 6:01 PM IST
Apple is reportedly working on new AirPods with built-in camera for better spatial audio effect. They are being said to go into mass production by 2026. Though Apple hasn't shared details about them yet, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed the same in his recent Medium post. Here are all the details.
Just when you started thinking about what could be the next major changes that Apple could bring in its devices, the tech giant do something that often grabs attention. In a recent development, Apple has been said to start working on AirPods with built-in IR (infrared radiation) camera that would offer a better spatial audio experience when used with the Apple Vision Pro. Though the company itself hasn't revealed anything about it yet, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in his latest Medium post claimed the same.
The popular analyst has said, “My latest supply chain survey indicates that Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, featuring an IR camera similar to the iPhone Face ID receiver (not the transmitter).” Prior to his claim, a past report in February too suggested that the Apple AirPods AirPods may come with cameras and advanced sensors.
According to report, the built-in cameras on the AirPods will detect the environmental image changes when a Vision Pro user moves the head and the orientation of the video player changes in the augmented reality or virtual reality environment. For example, if a user is watching a video on the mixed-reality headset wearing the new AirPods and turns their head in a specific direction, they will hear a more emphasised audio from the sound source in that direction. The earphones are said to offer a more immersive experience. Additionally, they are said to offer in-air gestures to interact with the device.
Kuo claimed that the Taiwan-based Foxconn will provide the IR cameras to Apple. Furthermore, the report also tipped that the supply chain giant is liekly to manufacture 18-20 million units, which roughly translates to 10 million AirPods. However, these are projected numbers and hence, can be considered a pinch of salt. The final output would depend on market conditions.
Meanwhile, the new functionality to AirPods is reportedly being added to improve the spatial audio experience when paired with the Vision Pro and any future Apple headsets that the company would introduce.
The popular analyst has said, “My latest supply chain survey indicates that Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, featuring an IR camera similar to the iPhone Face ID receiver (not the transmitter).” Prior to his claim, a past report in February too suggested that the Apple AirPods AirPods may come with cameras and advanced sensors.
According to report, the built-in cameras on the AirPods will detect the environmental image changes when a Vision Pro user moves the head and the orientation of the video player changes in the augmented reality or virtual reality environment. For example, if a user is watching a video on the mixed-reality headset wearing the new AirPods and turns their head in a specific direction, they will hear a more emphasised audio from the sound source in that direction. The earphones are said to offer a more immersive experience. Additionally, they are said to offer in-air gestures to interact with the device.
Kuo claimed that the Taiwan-based Foxconn will provide the IR cameras to Apple. Furthermore, the report also tipped that the supply chain giant is liekly to manufacture 18-20 million units, which roughly translates to 10 million AirPods. However, these are projected numbers and hence, can be considered a pinch of salt. The final output would depend on market conditions.
Meanwhile, the new functionality to AirPods is reportedly being added to improve the spatial audio experience when paired with the Vision Pro and any future Apple headsets that the company would introduce.