Apple has again sparked the curiosity of technology fans. This time, the spotlight is on the latest generation AirPods Pro which is rumored to have an unusual feature, namely a mini camera in the earbuds.
If this rumor proves true, AirPods Pro will no longer be just an audio device, but could become part of a wearable ecosystem based on visuals and artificial intelligence.
This information first emerged from a leaker and Apple prototype collector known as Kosutami.
In his latest upload on social media, he claims that the next generation AirPods Pro are able to “see the user’s surroundings”.
This statement immediately invited widespread speculation about Apple’s new direction in developing wireless audio devices.
Next AirPods Pro can see around you. At same price avail.
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) February 8, 2026
Infrared Camera for Gesture and Spatial Audio
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Reporting from macrumors (02/09/26)this rumor is in line with a report by Apple supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, who previously said that Apple was preparing a very small infrared camera for the 2026 version of the AirPods Pro.
This camera is not intended for photography, but rather for detecting hand movements and understanding the user’s position in three-dimensional space.
With this technology, AirPods Pro is believed to be able to provide touchless gesture control, such as adjusting the volume or playing songs just with hand movements.
Additionally, infrared cameras also have the potential to enhance spatial audio experiences, especially when paired with devices like the Apple Vision Pro.
This approach shows that Apple wants to combine audio, visuals and sensors into one immersive experience that is more contextual, rather than just sound.
Not AirPods Pro 4? Product Position Still Mysterious
Interestingly, there is no certainty whether this device will actually be called AirPods Pro 4. Several leaks suggest that this camera model could be a premium variant of the AirPods Pro 3 released in 2025, not a direct replacement.
A leaker from China with the pseudonym Instant Digital also strengthens this speculation. He said Apple plans to sell two versions of the AirPods Pro simultaneously—similar to the strategy applied to the AirPods 4 which comes in two different price variants.
If this scenario holds true, the AirPods Pro with camera would be positioned as a high-end model, while the AirPods Pro 3 would still be marketed as a more affordable option.
Fixed Price, Increased Features?
One of the most surprising aspects of this rumor is the price. Kosutami claims that the AirPods Pro with a fixed camera will be priced at around USD 249 or around Rp. 4 million, the same as the current AirPods Pro.
If Apple does maintain these prices, this move could be an aggressive strategy to compete with premium earbuds from other brands such as Bose, Bang & Olufsen, and Bowers & Wilkins, which have recently focused increasingly on high-end features.
Faster Than Usual Update Cycle
The latest AirPods Pro rumors are also interesting because the update cycle is relatively fast. Apple is known to update AirPods hardware every three years. For the record, the AirPods Pro 2 was released in 2022 and only received a small refresh in the form of a USB-C port in 2023.
However, a Kuo report in September 2025 said Apple had planned a successor to the AirPods Pro 3 for 2026. If true, this would signal a change in strategy, possibly driven by rapid advances in AI, sensor and spatial computing technology.
Even though leaks are getting busier, the launch schedule for AirPods Pro with a camera is still unclear. However, looking at previous patterns, Apple almost always introduces new AirPods in the second half of the year, usually at the same time as the iPhone launch event in September.
date:2026-02-11 10:32:00