65%
Probable
Apple recently launched the AirPods Pro 3 with a single marquee feature, one relating to Apple Intelligence. However, if the latest tidbit pans out, the device's next iteration would be all about spatial perception.
A tipster declares that the next AirPods Pro will be able to "see around you"
For the uninitiated, Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 feature smaller earbuds that offer a better fit, an improved spatial listening experience, up to 2x more effective noise cancelation, live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, a heart rate sensor, an 8-hour long battery, and IP57 sweat and water resistance, all for just $249.
However, as is evident from the X post above, the tipster Kosutami believes the next AirPods Pro will be able to perceive their surroundings. What's more, this feature is not expected to result in a corresponding price bump.
Of course, it remains unclear if Apple will equip the AirPods Pro 4 with an actual camera or merely an IR sensor. After all, the prolific Apple-geared analyst, Ming Chi-Kuo, tipped back in 2024 that IR camera-equipped Apple earbuds were in the offing.
This comes as Apple received a patent in July 2025 for leveraging cameras - akin to the Face ID's dot projector - in proximity detection and 3D depth mapping use cases, which obviously has tantalizing applications for its bespoke earbuds.
We would hazard a guess that these new AirPods Pro could serve as a stepping stone for Apple to introduce its rumored AI pin, which would be roughly the size of an AirTag and come equipped with multiple cameras, a speaker, microphones, and wireless charging.
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