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AirPods and Apple Watch Models to Get Tiny AI Cameras in 2027

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Apple plans to add tiny cameras to AirPods and Apple Watch models in 2027 that will embed Apple Intelligence in the devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

airpods-pro-purple.jpg

The cameras are expected to scan the environment and describe objects, similar to the Visual Intelligence feature on newer iPhones. Apple is also working on smart glasses that include cameras, microphones, and integrated AI, much like the Ray-Bans from Meta. The glasses are also expected by 2027, according to Gurman.

Apple is developing a new chip for the smart glasses, and it is said to be based on chips that are used in the Apple Watch, so there's likely to be AI feature crossover across the devices.

The cameras could be infrared sensors. In a June 2024 blog post, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple planned to mass produce new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. The infrared cameras could potentially enable "in-air gesture control" as well, allowing for device interaction with hand movements, according to Kuo.

Given Kuo's 2026 mass production timeframe, we could potentially see the new AirPods with infrared cameras launch in 2026 or 2027.

Article Link: AirPods and Apple Watch Models to Get Tiny AI Cameras in 2027
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/12/airpods-apple-watch-tiny-ai-cameras-in-2027/
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The technology will be so advanced that new airpods can be used even in Medical sector. Instead of using uncomfortable endoscopy cameras, patients can just swallow a pair of Airpods to scan entire digestive system!
 
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Eventually there will be cameras and microphones on all devices everywhere. Where will the privacy be?

How would I know if someone is recording video or voice as I’m talking to them? What permission would they have to keep that?

This always reminds me of the Meta glasses commercial when the guy turns up at the party wearing them. Everyone pleased to see him.

In reality people would be cautious and uncomfortable. Why are you wearing glasses with cameras at a social gathering. When and what are you recording. How would you feel if someone was stood there with iPhone camera pointing at you all night at this gathering. Then it finding its way onto social media and everything you said.
 
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This seems pointless as it will be so hard to accurately aim the camera at the objects you want information on. That's why smart glasses make more sense, because the camera points the way you are facing!
 
kiranmk2 said:
This seems pointless as it will be so hard to accurately aim the camera at the objects you want information on. That's why smart glasses make more sense, because the camera points the way you are facing!
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Your ears don’t turn with your head?

I personally see this as less intrusive than the glasses. I don’t wear any other than sun glasses. But the AirPods I’m wearing a lot these days, even when not listening to anything.

I’m not saying I want a camera on my head anywhere, but if if there were one the sides of the head kinda make sense to me.
 
The Watch seems like an odd position for a camera to have too much utility, down and around your waist, often being blocked by things etc. An on-ear Airpods Max replacement with cameras all around would be an interesting spot for it.

In the future maybe it will be able to fuse data from all the tiny cameras they put around you so the watch would just be an additive input, but they seem far from that AI future, let's see in 2027, especially thinking of power use if that AI fusion happens on your iPhone
 
Impressive ragebait, MR! They’re sensors, not cameras, nice try, though. Using ‘cameras’ definitely stirs up more noise and clicks, doesn’t it?
 
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Kottu said:
The technology will be so advanced that new airpods can be used even in Medical sector. Instead of using uncomfortable endoscopy cameras, patients can just swallow a pair of Airpods to scan entire digestive system!
Click to expand...
As someone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, I’d definitely be interested in purchasing the Apple GastroCapsule – or the “iCapsule”!
 
Fuzzball84 said:
Eventually there will be cameras and microphones on all devices everywhere. Where will the privacy be?

How would I know if someone is recording video or voice as I’m talking to them? What permission would they have to keep that?

This always reminds me of the Meta glasses commercial when the guy turns up at the party wearing them. Everyone pleased to see him.

In reality people would be cautious and uncomfortable. Why are you wearing glasses with cameras at a social gathering. When and what are you recording. How would you feel if someone was stood there with iPhone camera pointing at you all night at this gathering. Then it finding its way onto social media and everything you said.
Click to expand...
Exactly, are these allowed in gym locker rooms for example. Privacy out the window.
 
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fatTribble said:
Am I the only one who is skeptical?

Not only does this sound impractical, it sounds undesirable — at least to me. 🤷🏻‍♂️
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It sounds amazing as an accessibility device, but completely awful for literally everything else. Gimmicky at best, a privacy nightmare at worst.
 
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This will violate the privacy of many people. Honestly, we don't need cameras in our music devices as well!
 
TechTexan said:
Exactly, are these allowed in gym locker rooms for example. Privacy out the window.
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If these cameras are added to such devices then I think certain establishments like gyms, leisure centers, nightclubs and restaurants etc may prohibit the wearing of them.

It’s both a safety and social respect issue.
 
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Fuzzball84 said:
If these cameras are added to such devices then I think certain establishments like gyms, leisure centers, nightclubs and restaurants etc may prohibit the wearing of them.

It’s both a safety and social respect issue.
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First of all, the original report doesn’t even mention cameras, it specifically lists infrared sensors coming to the AirPods and watch. So no need to rage just yet.
But no matter what, I highly doubt gyms are going to ban Apple Watches and AirPods, cameras or not. That’s just ridiculous.
As sad as it is, people will eventually have to get used to our camera fullfuture, it’s already here.
 
not only will air pods pro be the first earbuds to perform hearing tests, but they'll also be able to do a colonoscopy
 
ThisIs🐵 said:
As someone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, I’d definitely be interested in purchasing the Apple GastroCapsule – or the “iCapsule”!
Click to expand...
Kottu said:
The technology will be so advanced that new airpods can be used even in Medical sector. Instead of using uncomfortable endoscopy cameras, patients can just swallow a pair of Airpods to scan entire digestive system!
Click to expand...

This already exists and has been used for many years. Apple would be pretty late to the game.

Capsule endoscopy - Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org
 
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Lounge vibes 05 said:
First of all, the original report doesn’t even mention cameras, it specifically lists infrared sensors coming to the AirPods and watch. So no need to rage just yet.
But no matter what, I highly doubt gyms are going to ban Apple Watches and AirPods, cameras or not. That’s just ridiculous.
As sad as it is, people will eventually have to get used to our camera fullfuture, it’s already here.
Click to expand...
No, we will not. That we would is what’s ridiculous.
 
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