Technology Desk: Apple is known for constantly adding new features to its products. Now such a leak has come to light regarding the company's AirPods, which has created a stir in the world of technology. According to reports, Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods. With the help of these AirPods, users will be able to get information about the things around them instead of just listening to music or making calls.
The special thing is that in the new leak it has been claimed that the working method of this technology has also been revealed. This feature may be related to Apple's Visual Intelligence system.
AirPods with camera hinted at in macOS Tahoe 26.7
According to a MacRumors report, some video hints have been found in the release candidate version of macOS Tahoe 26.7 that show the possible use of camera-equipped AirPods.
It has been reported in the report that Aaron of MacRumors has also shared a video related to this on social media platform X. It is shown in the video that the camera of AirPods can see any object and send its information to the Visual Intelligence system.
This leak is considered important because not only the general camera feature has been hinted in the software, but references related to Visual Intelligence setup for AirPods have also appeared.
AirPods were seen recognizing the title of the book in the video
The leaked video shows a man wearing AirPods. A book is kept in front of him. After this, the camera present in the AirPods tries to see the title of the book.
Along with this, a voiceover related to Visual Intelligence is heard in the video, in which something is said related to watching or saving something later.
It is being speculated that future AirPods will be able to see surrounding objects through the camera and that visual information can be used with Apple's AI features.
How will AirPods with cameras work?
If the reports surfaced prove to be true, then the cameras installed in AirPods can work to see the surrounding things and transmit their information to the system.
Suppose a book, luggage or other object is placed in front of the user. AirPods can see that object with the camera. After this, Visual Intelligence can process that information and provide related information to the user.
The user can then ask Siri questions about that object. That means AirPods will not just be a device that listens and narrates sounds, but can also become a part of an AI system that understands the world around the user.
You will be able to ask Siri questions about things around you
The most interesting part of this feature is its possible integration with Siri. The camera will see something in the surrounding and Visual Intelligence will send its information to the system.
After this the user can ask questions to Siri. For example, questions related to the name of a book, identification of an object placed in front, or any visual information can be asked. However, there is no official confirmation from Apple regarding all these possible uses yet.
Setup reference found in software
The most important thing about the leak is that it has been claimed to find a reference related to setting up Visual Intelligence on AirPods in the software of macOS.
This indicates that Apple is working seriously on this technology. This does not seem to be limited to just any general concept or rumor, but features related to this may be being prepared in the company's software.
However, finding a reference to a feature in software does not guarantee that the feature will be available in the final product. Apple works on many features during testing, which may not be launched later.
Warning will come if you cover AirPods
Another interesting hint related to AirPods with camera has emerged. According to the report, a warning appears in the software asking users to avoid covering the AirPods' camera.
The reason for this is also quite simple. If hair or any other object gets in front of the camera, the AirPods will not be able to see and recognize surrounding objects properly.
Such a warning indicates that the camera will not be there just in name, but will play an important role in the working of the Visual Intelligence feature.
May be launched with iPhone 18 series
Many reports are continuously coming out regarding Apple's next iPhone 18 series. It is expected that the company can also introduce many other products along with the new iPhone models.
Meanwhile, this leak of AirPods with camera has come to light. Reports are claiming that Apple can also introduce such new products with its first foldable iPhone.
If Apple launches AirPods with cameras, it would be a major change for the company's wireless earbuds. At present, AirPods are mainly used for audio, calling and smart features, whereas after the addition of the camera, their role can increase even more.
Can become part of Apple's AI ecosystem
The concept of AirPods with cameras could further advance Apple's AI and Visual Intelligence ecosystem. Visual Intelligence through the iPhone's camera already works towards understanding the surrounding things and providing information about them.
If the same capability comes to AirPods also, then the need for the user to take out the iPhone in hand every time may be reduced. AirPods can capture information about the surroundings through the camera and the user can get answers through Siri.
However, information like the actual capabilities of this feature, camera specifications, privacy features and its price have not been revealed yet. The complete picture of these things will be clear only after Apple's official announcement.