Apple AirPods may get a camera upgrade in 2026: Here’s what we know so far

AirPods

Apple’s AirPods range could soon receive one of its biggest design updates yet. According to recent reports, the company is working on a new AirPods Pro model equipped with integrated infrared (IR) cameras, expected to arrive in 2026. The addition of camera technology could open the door to new AI-powered and mixed-reality features, further blurring the line between Apple’s wearables and its growing Vision ecosystem.

The rumoured camera-equipped AirPods Pro will reportedly feature IR sensors, similar to those found in the TrueDepth system used in iPhones. These sensors could help detect gestures, track head and body movement, and interact more seamlessly with devices like the Apple Vision Pro.

Sources suggest that the new AirPods won’t replace the recently launched AirPods Pro 3 but will exist as a more advanced option. This would align with Apple’s strategy of creating multiple product tiers, offering users different choices across performance and pricing — a pattern seen with the recent AirPods 4, which launched in both ANC and standard variants.

If the leak is accurate, Apple’s 2026 AirPods family could include:

AirPods Pro 3 with camera integration

Standard AirPods Pro 3

AirPods 4 (with and without ANC)

AirPods Max

This would mark the most extensive AirPods lineup ever, offering five distinct models simultaneously — a clear indicator of Apple’s diversification in the wearables market.

The introduction of IR cameras could tie directly into Apple’s AI and spatial computing ambitions, particularly as it strengthens the link between AirPods and the Vision Pro headset. Enhanced environmental sensing could allow users to control interfaces through subtle gestures or spatial cues, transforming how audio devices interact with digital environments.

While Apple has not confirmed any details, the reported 2026 release window hints at another step in Apple’s broader plan — merging sound, sight, and intelligence into a single ecosystem experience.