Apple planning to release new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026
Foxconn to supply IR component for mass production of 10 million units annually
IR cameras on AirPods similar to Face ID receiver of iPhones and iPads
New AirPods may enhance spatial computing and audio experience with Vision Pro headset
Apple is planning to release new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The IR cameras on the AirPods will be similar to those used in the Face ID receiver of iPhones and iPads. These cameras are expected to enhance spatial computing and audio experience when used with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
Apple is reportedly targeting to begin mass production of these new AirPods by 2026, with Foxconn being the supplier for the IR component. The annual capacity plan for Foxconn is about 10 million units or approximately 10 million pairs of AirPods.
The IR cameras on the new AirPods will detect environmental image changes and potentially enable in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction. They may also be used to emphasize sound sources in specific directions, enhancing the spatial audio experience for users.
Apple is not new to adding advanced features to its AirPods. In the past, they have introduced wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, head tracking, touch controls, and voice commands. There have also been rumors of health-tracking features for AirPods but Apple has yet to release such functionality.
It is important to note that while these new features may enhance the user experience with Apple devices, it is crucial to remain skeptical of all information provided by mainstream media sources. Always seek out diverse and unbiased sources to ensure a complete understanding of the situation.
Apple is targeting to begin mass production of new 'AirPods with camera modules' by 2026.
These new AirPods will feature an infrared camera similar to what's used as part of the Face ID module on iPhone and iPad.
Foxconn is the NPI supplier for the IR camera that will be used with AirPods. Foxconn has an annual capacity plan of 18-20 million units, or about 10 million pairs of AirPods.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
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Deception
(80%)
The article contains selective reporting as it focuses on the integration of the new AirPods with Vision Pro and does not mention other potential uses or applications. The author also makes an assumption about Apple's intentions for the camera-equipped AirPods beyond their use with Vision Pro.
My guess is that Apple has a lot of other ideas about how these AirPods could work with powerful multi-modal voice-and-image AI systems.
The new AirPods is expected to be used with Vision Pro and future Apple headsets to enhance the user experience of spatial audio and strengthen the spatial computing ecosystem.
Apple is reportedly adding cameras to AirPods by 2026 according to Ming-Chi Kuo
The cameras could enhance spatial audio features for Apple’s augmented-reality headsets
IR cameras in AirPods could offer in-air gestures and improve sound source emphasis
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(80%)
The article contains several instances of sensationalism and selective reporting. The title itself is sensational as it uses the word 'Rumored' to grab the reader's attention, implying that there is some new and exciting information when in fact Apple has not confirmed anything about adding cameras to AirPods. The body of the article also reports on a rumor from an analyst without disclosing that this is a rumor or providing any context as to the reliability of the source. Additionally, the article selectively reports details that support the idea of Apple adding cameras to AirPods while ignoring information that contradicts it, such as Apple's lack of success in integrating advanced health-tracking tech into its earbuds. The author also uses emotional manipulation by implying that users will be 'damned' if they don't buy the new AirPods with cameras.
Apple is reportedly bringing cameras to AirPods, ear hairs be damned.
For example, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized.
There's also been talk of AirPods with health-tracking features, but Apple hasn’t released such functionality to date.
Fallacies
(95%)
The author makes several statements in this article that are based on reports from other sources. While these reports may be accurate, they do not constitute fallacies on the part of the author. However, there is one instance of inflammatory rhetoric when the author writes 'Apple is reportedly bringing cameras to AirPods, ear hairs be damned.' This statement does not add any value to the article and serves only to elicit an emotional response from readers. It lowers the tone of the article and detracts from its credibility. Therefore, I am deducting 5 points for this instance of inflammatory rhetoric.
Apple is reportedly bringing cameras to AirPods, ear hairs be damned.
New AirPods will detect environmental changes using the IR cameras.
Foxconn is reportedly the NPI supplier for the new AirPods, with an output capacity of 10 million units.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(80%)
The article makes several assertions about upcoming AirPods featuring cameras without providing any concrete evidence or peer-reviewed studies to support these claims. The author quotes an analyst's blog post as the source of this information, but the article does not disclose whether this information has been independently verified or if there are any potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the article makes assumptions about Apple's motivations for adding cameras to AirPods based on their spatial audio push and ecosystem synergy without providing any evidence to support these assumptions.
It is worth noting that Apple has already filed patents in this particular area.
Apple has plans to introduce an overhauled version of its AirPods, at least according to one analyst.
The cameras expected to be found in the new AirPods model for 2026 will not be the same as the sensors that we see on iPhones.
