AirPods Pro 3 with IR Cameras: Apple's Next AI-Powered Audio Evolution

After the recent launch of AirPods Pro 3, Apple appears to be preparing a second, higher-end model that could significantly expand the device's capabilities through the addition of infrared cameras.

IR Cameras for AI Integration

The new AirPods Pro 3 variant is expected to include infrared (IR) cameras as part of Apple's broader push into AI-powered features. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these cameras will work alongside artificial intelligence to help users "understand the outside world and provide information."

Gurman has specifically highlighted Visual Intelligence as being at the core of the camera-equipped AirPods. This suggests the cameras could enable features similar to those found on the iPhone 16, where Visual Intelligence can identify objects, read text, and provide contextual information about the user's surroundings.

Gesture Controls and Button Removal

Leaker Instant Digital has reported that the new model might remove the pressure-sensitive buttons from the ear stems in favor of supporting hand gestures. This would represent a significant change in how users interact with their AirPods, potentially allowing for more intuitive controls through simple hand movements near the ears.

However, Apple could also support both features, maintaining the physical buttons while adding gesture controls. This dual approach might be helpful considering the growing number of features that currently rely on the stem buttons, such as volume adjustment, playback controls, and Siri activation.

Two-Tier AirPods Pro Strategy

The introduction of a camera-equipped model would mirror Apple's existing strategy with AirPods 4, which comes in both standard and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) versions. Similarly, Apple seems to be planning two versions of AirPods Pro 3: the current model and a new premium variant with cameras.

The camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 are otherwise expected to be largely the same as the current model in terms of core audio features, including the improved audio quality and upgraded Active Noise Cancellation that users have praised.

Higher Price Point Expected

As with any premium feature addition, the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 will likely arrive at a higher price point than the standard model. This tiered approach allows Apple to maintain accessibility with the base model while offering advanced features for users willing to pay more for cutting-edge technology.

Timeline and Availability

While AirPods Pro 3 launched just a few months ago, the camera-equipped variant is rumored to arrive later this year. This quick follow-up suggests Apple sees significant potential in expanding the AirPods' capabilities beyond traditional audio features.

User Experience Considerations

For users who have experienced fit issues with previous AirPods models, the addition of cameras and AI features represents an interesting evolution. While the core audio experience remains paramount, these new capabilities could transform AirPods from primarily audio devices into more versatile AI companions.

The integration of Visual Intelligence and gesture controls could be particularly useful for users who frequently interact with their devices while on the go, offering hands-free access to information and controls without needing to pull out their iPhone.

Looking Ahead

The addition of IR cameras to AirPods Pro 3 represents Apple's continued investment in making its wearable devices smarter and more capable. As Apple Intelligence becomes more central to the company's product strategy, we can expect to see similar AI-powered features expand across the ecosystem.

For now, the question remains whether users will embrace the idea of cameras in their earbuds, and how Apple will balance the privacy implications of always-on environmental awareness with the convenience of enhanced AI capabilities.