Picture This: Cameras In Your AirPods & Apple Watch By 2027
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We have been hearing some wild rumors about Apple planning to integrate cameras into AirPods to support Apple Intelligence. Now, some concrete information is emerging about this rumor, thanks to popular Apple insider Mark Gurman.
Apple could launch AirPods and Apple Watch with tiny built-in cameras
In his recent Power On Newsletter, Gurman mentioned that Apple is planning to add tiny cameras to AirPods in 2027. That’s not all; the company is reportedly also looking to integrate these cameras into some high-end Apple Watch models launching in the same year.
Per Gurman’s report, the cameras could scan and describe objects. This is similar to the Visual Intelligence feature included in the latest iPhones. Besides integrating cameras into AirPods, Apple is reportedly also working on smart glasses. These will also include cameras, microphones, and integrated AI.
You can expect them to be on par with, if not more advanced than, the current Meta AI Ray-Ban glasses. Gurman hints that these Apple smart glasses might also debut in 2027. The launch timeline provided by Gurman for AirPods with cameras is in line with details shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last year.
Previously, Kuo hinted that Apple planned to mass-produce new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. He further noted that these cameras could also enable “in-air gesture control.” Per Kuo’s report, the feature could allow users to interact with AirPods based on hand movements.
It’s unclear which models will feature the cameras
It’s worth noting that Apple will likely debut AirPods Pro 3 later this year. So, it’s too early to expect built-in cameras on those AirPods. Speaking from the past track record, Apple has followed a three-year gap to launch the next iteration of its “Pro” audio wearables.
So, it’s unlikely that 2027 will see another AirPods Pro, considering AirPods Pro 3 launches this year. As the wild guesses continue, the fact is that there’s no information on which AirPods or Apple Watch models will come with these tiny cameras.
