Future AirPods See Beyond Sound: Infrared Vision for All

According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next generation of Apple AirPods will be equipped with an infrared sensor, akin to the TrueDepth system used for Face ID. These sensors are expected to expand the capabilities of the earbuds significantly. An infrared camera can detect changes in the surrounding environment, potentially enabling air gesture controls and enhancing human-device interactions.

These innovative earbuds could be used in conjunction with the Vision Pro headset, offering options unavailable to standard models. The new AirPods are expected to enhance the user experience in spatial audio and strengthen the ecosystem of spatial computing when used with Vision Pro and future Apple headsets. For instance, when watching a video in Vision Pro while wearing the new AirPods, if a user turns their head in a certain direction, the sound source in that direction can be amplified to improve the perception of spatial audio and computing.

Foxconn, the supplier of these sensors, plans an annual volume of 18-20 million units, translating to 9-10 million pairs of earbuds. Notably, this likely refers to the AirPods Pro model rather than the base one.

Wearable technology advancements, like these new AirPods, are set to revolutionize consumer interactions with technology, pushing the boundaries of how we experience audio and visual content. As these devices become smarter and more integrated, consumer demand is expected to rise, influencing market trends towards more immersive and intuitive product designs. Additionally, Foxconn’s increase in production capacity could streamline logistics and reduce potential delays in Apple’s supply chain, ensuring that the high demand for these advanced devices is met efficiently.