Apple AirPods with built-in camera? Analyst predicts major overhaul by 2026

If you’ve been waiting for big changes to Apple’s AirPods, you might have to hang on a little longer. According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning a major redesign of its popular wireless earbuds — but not until 2026. And the most interesting part? The new AirPods might come with built-in infrared (IR) cameras.

Yes, you read that right. Apple could be working on AirPods with tiny cameras inside them. But don’t worry, it’s not for snapping selfies or recording videos. Instead, the IR cameras are said to be designed for advanced features like gesture control and spatial audio enhancements. It will most likely allow them to interact more closely with your environment and other Apple devices, especially the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Kuo had previously predicted that these camera-equipped AirPods would go into mass production by 2026, and his latest update reaffirms that timeline. So while we won’t see these futuristic earbuds anytime soon, it’s clear that Apple is cooking up something big.

Meanwhile, for fans of the over-ear AirPods Max, there's news too — though again, you’ll need some patience. A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027. The current AirPods Max have been praised for their sound quality and design but criticized for their weight and high price. A more comfortable, possibly more affordable version could make them more appealing to a wider audience.