Apple's Next AirPods Pro Model Tipped to Feature Cameras, Could Launch Without Price Hike

Development details

Apple's next AirPods Pro may include infrared sensors or camera-like modules to detect the user's surroundings, according to a tipster on X. The report suggests the device could see around you while staying priced near the current model. Apple has not confirmed any upgrade, and details remain limited.

Kosutami, a tipster, posted that the next AirPods Pro can see around you and could launch at the same price as the current model. The AirPods Pro 3 costs $249 in the US (roughly Rs. 22,000) and Rs. 25,900 in India, according to the post.

The leak did not include technical specifications for the "next AirPods Pro," but earlier reports have suggested infrared cameras or depth sensors instead of standard cameras. Although this equipment would not be used for recording audio or video, they may assist the EarPods in determining the characteristics of their immediate environment which will enhance both the quality of audio delivered through the EarPods as well as their AI capabilities.

Ming-Chi Kuo has also indicated that Apple has been conducting tests on infrared cameras to further enhance the spatial audio and gesture functionality of the air pods and their use with devices like the Vision Pro.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on releasing new AirPod Pro models with a different H3 processor to increase audio performance, sound quality, and lower latency. Information was also presented in this report that a third generation of AirPods (AirPods 5) will be developed with possibly new health sensor technologies including the capability to monitor one's body temperature.

Price and market context

Apple has not confirmed any upgrade and details remain limited. Earlier leaks describe infrared components intended to improve environmental awareness and spatial audio rather than enable photo or video capture. It is alleged that Apple has submitted a patent for a wearable device in 2025, which includes innovations in the fields of camera-based proximity detection (how close or far away an object is from another) and three-dimensional depth mapping (how far away something is, as well as what its size and shape are), to allow for improved audio adjustments, better head tracking, gesture recognition, and new accessibility options when using such devices.

To summarize, it will be safe to say that the next AirPods Pro will support sensors for detecting space rather than actually capturing images, and they will likely retail for the same price as the existing model. The timeline and official specifications from Apple at this time are still uncertain, and therefore, announcements may happen shortly. It is expected that some things will be decided in the coming months, based on their current hardware upgrade plans versus their budgetary constraints and overall product strategy.

There may also be several sensors for improving overall health in the upcoming AirPods 5, including one that could monitor body temperature.

We have seen enough compelling evidence to support the idea of Apple's recent patent application for proximity detection and three-dimensional depth mapping (both patents were filed to be used in wearables) to believe that both capabilities will be included as official specifications in their in-ear monitoring devices and headphones.