Apple is advancing its development of a new version of AirPods featuring built-in cameras, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Prototypes are now in a near-final design phase, with each earbud equipped with a camera intended to assist Siri rather than capture photos or videos.
The cameras will provide a low-resolution view of the user’s surroundings, enabling them to ask Siri questions about items in their environment, such as food ingredients. In addition, Apple is exploring further applications for these AI cameras, which may include providing reminders based on visual input and offering advanced navigation assistance by identifying landmarks.
These AirPods are designed with longer stems to house the cameras and will include an LED indicator that activates when visual data is transmitted to the cloud. Currently, they are undergoing design validation testing (DVT) within Apple, with plans for the next phase, production validation testing (PVT), to begin soon. Although an initial launch was anticipated for the first half of this year, it has been delayed due to ongoing challenges with Siri's next-generation capabilities.
Apple has been working on this project for four years and is reportedly preparing for strong consumer interest, focusing on secure components for upcoming mass production.