Apple is developing AirPods that embed tiny infrared cameras in the stem, turning the earbuds into the company’s first AI wearable.

The new design mirrors the AirPods Pro 3, but adds a camera‑LED that lights when visual data streams to the cloud. Cameras will feed surroundings to Siri, enabling object queries, precise walking directions, and contextual reminders.

An upgraded H3 chip is slated for the next AirPods Pro, promising lower latency and sharper audio. Naming remains unsettled; possibilities include AirPods Pro 4 or AirPods Ultra.

With camera integration, the price could exceed the current $249 AirPods Pro 3. Compatibility requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later that supports Apple Intelligence, and the units will likely launch in late 2027 alongside the 20th‑anniversary iPhone.