A video file found in macOS 26.7 Release Candidate gives us our first look at Apple’s upcoming AirPods with built-in IR cameras. The video shows the AirPods Pro working in tandem with Visual Intelligence to let you save information about objects you see in the real world.
In the short demo, a man holds up a book so the AirPods’ cameras can identify its title. He then asks Siri to save it for later, showing how the IR cameras could give Apple’s earbuds a better understanding of the world around you.
AirPods Pro’s cameras will see what you see
Multiple reports suggest Apple is working on a new pair of AirPods Pro with built-in IR cameras. This will allow the earbuds to see the world around you and provide relevant information when needed.
The demo video in macOS 26.7 RC shows exactly that. The upcoming AirPods Pro look similar to the current model but seemingly have IR cameras built into the stems.
The voiceover in the video pitches the feature as a way to make the world around you “savable” with Visual Intelligence.
The feature will rely heavily on Siri, which explains why Apple never got around to launching AirPods with cameras before.
If the wearer’s hair covers the AirPods, an alert will appear: “To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered.”
Besides saving information, the IR cameras may also enable support for air gesture controls.
Apple could unveil the new camera-equipped AirPods Pro alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone in September.
