Apple Reportedly Developing 'AirPods Ultra' with Infrared Cameras
Apple is rumored to be working on 'AirPods Ultra,' featuring infrared cameras to enhance Siri's capabilities, potentially launching later this year.
Apple is reportedly developing a new high-end version of its wireless earbuds, tentatively named 'AirPods Ultra.' According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these earbuds will be equipped with infrared cameras designed to enhance Siri's functionality by providing visual data about the user's surroundings. This feature aims to improve the Visual Intelligence capabilities on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
The 'AirPods Ultra' are expected to be priced above the current AirPods Pro 3, which retail at $249. Consequently, Apple is considering the 'Ultra' branding for this premium model. Unlike traditional cameras, the infrared sensors are not intended for capturing photos or videos but for feeding environmental information to Siri.
In June 2024, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that AirPods with cameras could enable 'in-air gesture control.' However, Gurman recently indicated that he does not anticipate the 'AirPods Ultra' to support hand gestures.
The introduction of 'AirPods Ultra' aligns with Apple's broader strategy of expanding its 'Ultra' branding across various product lines. Reports suggest that the company plans to release an 'iPhone Ultra' and a 'MacBook Ultra' within the next year, positioning these devices above their respective 'Pro' counterparts.
While the exact release date for the 'AirPods Ultra' remains uncertain, a launch alongside the 'iPhone Ultra' in September is a possibility.