Jan Vajdák The next generation AirPods Pro could bring one of the most fundamental hardware changes in the history of this series. According to the leaker going by the nickname Kosutami, the company plans to Apple integrate cameras into headphones that would allow the user to "see" their surroundings. InformacThis was stated in a post on the X network and follows earlier speculation by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo has previously stated that AirPods Pro planned for this year are to receive at least one minia built-in infrared camera. This should serve not only to recognize hand gestures, but also to significantly improve surround sound, especially in conjunction with a headset Apple Vision ProThe cameras would not be designed to capture images in the traditional sense, but rather to capture space and movement around the user.
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The potential impact on the product line is also interesting. Kosutami claims that the new AirPods Pro should retain the price of $249. Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the price will increase slightly. Instant Digital claims that it will not be a completely new generation, but a premium variantu AirPods Pro 3 which Apple announced in 2025. Both models could therefore be offered simultaneously.
Such a move would not be unique. The company already offers two versions, for example AirPods 4 in different price levels and the portfolio has space between AirPods Pro a AirPods Max. With increasing competition in the premium wireless headphone segment, expanding the offering would make sense.
Whether it works or not, it will be about AirPods Pro 4, or a "higher" version AirPods Pro 3 is not yet clear. But it is certain that Apple is preparing a more significant change for 2026 than is usual for this product line. I would definitely recommend a similar camera AirPods Pro welcomed. Since I won't give a damn without my 3rd generation "pros", such an improvement would probably force me to upgrade. Even if it were only an offshoot of the third generation, which would probably not bring a change in the quality of music playback.
