Apple is in a late testing stage for a model of AirPods that include cameras, intended to feed visual information to its Siri voice assistant, Bloomberg reported.
The prototype is one of several planned devices that have been delayed due while Apple’s release of a more advanced version of Siri has been repeatedly pushed back, after it was first announced in mid-2024.
Initially Apple had planned to release the camera-equipped wireless earphones as early as the first half of this year, Bloomberg’s report said.
Visual analysis
The upgraded Siri is currently understood to be on track for launch this autumn, after Apple contracted with Google to use Google’s Gemini technology for the service. But the modified AirPods could reportedly still be held back if Apple isn’t satisfied with the quality of results from the device.
The earphones reportedly resemble AirPods Pro 3 except for a longer stem to accommodate the low-resolution cameras and a small LED light intended to alert people when the earphones are sending visual information to a cloud service for analysis – a feature intended to allay privacy concerns.
Wearable AI-powered gadgets have gained popularity of late, notably with Meta’s Ray Ban-branded smart glasses, and Apple is reportedly developing other devices intended to integrate with its own AI offerings, including smart glasses and a pendant with cameras, that are at an earlier phase of development.
The AirPods’ cameras are not designed to take photos or videos, a feature available with Meta’s smart glasses.
AI-powered wearables
The Apple device is reportedly intended to allow wearers to ask questions about items around them, such as querying dishes that could be prepared from an item a person is looking at in a grocery store, similar to features already available from visual AI features in ChatGPT or the iPhone’s existing Visual Intelligence.
The tool could also provide reminders based on something the camera sees, or use external landmarks to provide directions.
Apple testers are reported to be actively using prototypes of the AirPods in a stage known as design validation testing, the final major development stage before making early mass-production units.
Google and other tech firms are also working on wearables such as smart glasses to tap into growing demand.
