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Apple’s AirPods line could see some major new features in their next iterations.
A new report from a reliable leaker suggests that the AirPods line will see IR cameras added next year, with an update to the AirPods Max waiting until 2027.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reiterated a June prediction that Apple’s AirPods line would gain cameras, potentially as an alternative to the development of smart glasses. In his latest report, the frequently-reliable Kuo says the cameras in AirPods would be infrared (IR) cameras.
These would enter production sometime in 2026 and could be used to help direct users to a destination. The computer vision information gathered from the IR-equipped AirPods could also be passed on to other devices.
Such future AirPods could also pass on data to assist the Apple Intelligence engine on an iPhone. The AirPod cameras could add Visual Intelligence information to the iPhone while still in the user’s pocket, for example.
It has also been rumored that a future update to the AirPods Pro 2 or a future third-gen AirPods Pro would add heart rate monitoring via a new H3 chip. This would be similar to an existing feature in the Powerbeats Pro 2.
There has also been speculation that the AirPods could gain a live translation feature with the arrival of iOS 19 this fall. In addition to providing a translation into the user’s native language, a response could use an iPhone’s speakers to provide a live translation back — enabling a conversation.
Lighter AirPods Max
Kuo has also reported that the AirPods Max will get a significant hardware update in 2027. This would involve a rethink of the over-ear headphones to lighten the overall weight of the product.
AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026). A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027.
AirPods2026
— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 18, 2025
The new version of Apple’s over-ear headphones would enter mass production sometime that year. If true, this could signal the arrival of a new model in time for the holiday season that year.
Apple added support for lossless audio and low-latency audio to the USB-C version of AirPods Max in April as part of the iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 releases. The update also added support for Personalized Spatial Audio.
The addition of lossless audio to AirPods Max requires users to use the USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable or a USB-C to USB-C cable. Audio delivered wirelessly to the AirPods Max will still be lossy.
Any reduction in the weight of the new AirPods Max model would be welcomed by future buyers. The current version weighs 13.6 ounces, or 384.8 grams.
