Apple AirPods With Built 5w3w2d in Camera Said to Launch Next Year; No Major Upgrades Till 2026

Apple is also developing a lighter version of the AirPods Max and it may enter mass production soon. 5a1r4q

Written by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 19 May 2025 09:55 IST

Apple AirPods With Built-in Camera Said to Launch Next Year; No Major Upgrades Till 2026

Photo Credit: Apple 1f2j6a

AirPods 4 (pictured above) are the successor to 2021's AirPods 3

Highlights

Apple is tipped to launch AirPods with built-in IR cameras in 2026
The cameras could enable in-air gesture control features
A lighter AirPods Max model might enter mass production by 2027

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AirPods 4 — a product which also finally brought active noise cancellation (ANC) to the base TWS earbuds. However, the story for this year may not be the same. Next year, the iPhone maker is tipped to introduce a new product in the form of AirPods with a built-in infrared (IR) camera.

Upgrades to AirPods 5z6v4s

In a AirPods Max may also be refreshed in the coming years.

Kuo suggests that Apple is developing a lighter version of the AirPods Max and the purported product could make it to the mass production stage in 2027

Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025), Huawei Freebuds 6 Launched Globally

AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026). A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027.

AirPods可能要到2026年才會有顯著更新…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 18, 2025

In addition to upgrades to existing products, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also tipped to introduce a new product — AirPods with built-in IR cameras. As per Kuo, the purported device may also enter mass production next year. This corroborates previous reports which claimed that the company was developing AirPods and Apple Watch models equipped with cameras which offer similar functionality as the smart glasses.

The analyst previously claimed that the IR cameras may enhance the audio experience. With the ability to detect environmental changes, the AirPods could allow a larger number of gestures. The built-in camera on the TWS earbuds is tipped to enable “in-air gesture” control. Further, the device may also hand movements.

The AirPods are also expected to deliver an improved spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro spatial headset. For example, if a turns their head to a particular direction, the spatial sound coming from that source may be enhanced for a more immersive experience.

Apple AirPods 4 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones 6y2o6l

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones 3mr5b

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious 
Best-in-class controls 
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices 
Very good ANC and Transparency modes 
Wide, spacious soundstage 
Excellent, flexible sound

Bad
No power button, unpredictable power consumption  
Below-par battery life 
Smart Case is a bit silly 
Lightning charging port 
No ANC level adjustment

Read detailed Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones review

Headphone Type Over-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity Wireless

Type Headphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

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Further reading: Apple Airpods

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More