The AirPods range may have retained the same design as previous-generation models, but Apple has done its part by equipping it with custom chips that improve reliability, battery life, and audio quality. Given the small size of these wireless earbuds, it is a miracle that these can ship with any features at all. However, according to a rumor, the company has been exploring bringing cameras to this product for a variety of applications. Now, Apple recently filed a patent that describes the use of an optical lens system on the AirPods, hinting that previous reports might have been correct about the technology giant’s plans.
The optical lens module on the AirPods could enhance multiple Apple Intelligence features
A diagram showing how the optical lens system will be outfitted inside the AirPods has been covered in-depth by Patently Apple. While there is no mention of these wireless earbuds being able to capture any images the same way that an iPhone does, the information below mentions that these sensors could be leveraged to transmit information and distinguish what sort of object is in the surroundings.
An optical module #104 may be positioned within the earbud (AirPods) #100 proximate to a wall of the housing #102. While the optical module #104 is shown as positioned within the main body of the earbud, the optical module may alternatively be positioned within the stem of the earbud or at any suitable location.
The optical module 104 may be used to determine a proximity of the user to the earbud, to receive input from a user, to distinguish types of matter (e.g., whether the earbud is positioned in a user’s ear or lying on an object), and so on. Processors and other electrical components may receive signals from one or more components of the optical module. These signals may be used to adjust settings of the earbud, provide outputs to the user, and/or convey other information to additional devices and/or to a network.
Cameras on Apple’s future AirPods are likely a part of the company’s plan to push its generative AI features, such as Visual Intelligence. The Cupertino firm is also said to be exploring bringing the same functionality to its future Apple Watch, where the cameras would determine the objects in the environment and relay relevant information to the wearer. In fact, it is said that the arrival of AirPods with cameras could fuel the company’s plans to bring a pair of smart glasses, but the launch of these spectacles is expected in 2027. As for the advanced AirPods, we expect them to arrive earlier.
News Source: Patently Apple
