AirPods to gain cameras and heart rate sensors in the future – Gurman

Apple is reportedly doubling down on its vision to integrate advanced features into its AirPods lineup, with new reports suggesting groundbreaking additions like cameras and enhanced health sensors. By merging these technologies, Apple is doubling down on its mission to innovate and lead the way in wearable health tech.

The idea of equipping AirPods with cameras is not entirely new. Infrared cameras have been speculated to enhance spatial audio by better analyzing users’ environments, but the concept was shelved years ago. Recent reports from Bloomberg and TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the project has been resurrected as a top priority.

The cameras, likely leveraging similar infrared technology used in Face ID, could serve as a cornerstone for Apple’s spatial computing ecosystem. When paired with devices like Vision Pro, they could redefine immersive experiences by aligning soundscapes with a user’s gaze or gestures, creating a more dynamic and personalized audio-visual interplay. However, camera-equipped AirPods may still be several years away, with mass production speculated to begin around 2026.

In parallel, Apple is accelerating efforts to integrate health monitoring capabilities into its AirPods. Following the addition of a hearing assistance feature in the AirPods Pro 2, the company is reportedly testing heart rate and temperature sensing. While the Apple Watch currently leads in accuracy for such metrics, reports indicate that AirPods’ performance isn’t far behind, with the next-generation AirPods Pro potentially debuting heart rate monitoring. These sensors, alongside other physiological tracking advancements, could make AirPods an essential tool in Apple’s expanding health ecosystem.

Beyond the AirPods, Apple is venturing into smart home technologies with projects like a Face ID-enabled doorbell and lock system. Expected to rival offerings from Amazon and Google, this system underscores Apple’s intent to unify its ecosystem further by seamlessly integrating smart home solutions with its existing platforms. While still in its early stages, the development complements Apple’s rumored smart home hub and in-home security camera, signaling a comprehensive push into the connected living space.

(via Bloomberg)