New AirPods to Feature IR Camera [Kuo]

Apple is planning to mass produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The new AirPods are said to feature an IR camera similar to the iPhone Face ID receiver (not the transmitter). Kuo says Foxconn is the new product introduction (NPI) supplier for the IR camera, with an annual capacity of around 18-20 million units (10 million AirPods).

The new AirPods is expected to be used with Vision Pro and future Apple headsets to enhance the user experience of spatial audio and strengthen the spatial computing ecosystem. For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience.


Kuo also notes that the IR camera can detect environmental image changes, possibly enabling in-air gesture control to 'enhance human-device interaction'.

Apple already has a significant lead in spatial computing and Kuo expects the company to generate new and strong growth momentum as the commercial conditions for the technology mature.

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