Apple AirPods Pro 3 Updated To Feature Infrared Cameras for ‘Visual Intelligence’; Upcoming Earbuds To Maintain Same Price and Design
Apple is expected to update the AirPods Pro 4 this year with integrated infrared cameras for "Visual Intelligence." The new model will likely maintain its current design and a price of INR 25,900. These sensors will enable advanced gesture controls and enhanced environmental awareness, integrating seamlessly with Apple Intelligence and Vision Pro.
Mumbai, February 10: Apple is reportedly developing a high-end variant of its AirPods Pro 3 (reportedly called AirPods Pro 4) that will integrate built-in infrared (IR) cameras. This hardware refresh, expected to debut later this year, aims to bridge the gap between traditional audio accessories and the company’s burgeoning "Visual Intelligence" ecosystem.
According to latest leaks from tipster Kosutami on X, the updated earbuds will be able to "see" the user's surroundings. While Apple historically maintains a three-year gap between major AirPods Pro generations, this interim update will reportedly keep the same physical design as the current AirPods Pro 3 that launched in September 2025. Apple iPhone 17 Croma Sale: E-Commerce Website Offers Major Discounts and Deals on iPhone 17 Series; Check Valentine’s Day 2026 Discount.
Enhanced AI and Visual Intelligence Capabilities
The primary purpose of the new IR sensors is to provide environmental data to Apple Intelligence. Unlike standard camera lenses, these infrared modules function similarly to the dot projectors used in Face ID, mapping 3D depth and proximity. This technology is expected to allow the AirPods Pro 3 to recognise hand gestures and provide a more immersive Spatial Audio experience when paired with the Apple Vision Pro.
CEO Tim Cook has frequently highlighted "Visual Intelligence" as a cornerstone of Apple’s AI roadmap for 2026. By placing sensors on the ears, Apple can provide its AI models with a first-person view of the world, enabling Siri to answer questions about objects or landmarks the wearer is looking at without the need for smart glasses.
Pricing Strategy and Market Positioning
Despite the significant technical addition, early reports suggest that Apple may offer the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 at the same starting price of USD 249 or INR 25,900. However, analysts believe Apple might follow the tiered strategy used for the AirPods 4, potentially offering two versions: a standard model and a premium variant with IR capabilities.
A patent granted to Apple in July 2025 further supports the move, describing a method for using cameras for proximity detection in wearable devices. This data could also be used to improve "Awareness Mode," allowing the earbuds to dynamically adjust audio based on specific visual cues in the environment, such as a person walking toward the user or a change in lighting.
The standard AirPods Pro 3, released last fall, introduced heart rate sensing and significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation using the H2 chip. The upcoming hardware refresh marks a shift toward spatial computing, a category Apple is aggressively expanding following the launch of the Vision Pro. Apple iPhone 17 Sales: Tech Giant Records Best Quarter Ever in China as Redesign Triggers Massive ‘Super Upgrade Cycle’.
While Apple typically reserves its major hardware announcements for the annual iPhone event in September, some insiders suggest these updated earbuds could arrive as part of a mid-year refresh or a dedicated spring event. If the release follows the traditional schedule, the new AirPods Pro 3 with IR cameras will likely launch alongside the iPhone 18 series.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2026 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).