Apple AirPods With Camera and Heart Rate Tracker Still in Development: Mark Gurman

AirPods Pro 3 are tipped to support enhanced spatial audio.

Written by Sucharita Ganguly, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 27 January 2025 13:42 IST

Apple AirPods With Camera and Heart Rate Tracker Still in Development: Mark Gurman

AirPods Pro 3 is expected to succeed the AirPods Pro 2 (pictured)

Highlights

The cameras in AirPods Pro 3 may work as IR sensors
The cameras could help enable "in-air gesture control"
The AirPods Pro 3 could launch by 2026 or 2027

Apple has previously been tipped to be working on several upgrades for its next generation of AirPods. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to succeed the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which were unveiled in 2022. Recent leaks and reports suggested that the third generation of these headsets could launch with infrared cameras. Now, a report hints that the Cupertino-based tech giant is continuing to explore the option to include the cameras. The rumoured audio wearables could get health-tracking features like heart rate monitors as well.

AirPods Pro 3 May Include Cameras (Expected)

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter (via), Mark Gurman states that Apple is continuing to explore the option of including tiny cameras in future AirPods. He did not, however, elaborate on the launch timeline or expected features of these camera-packed TWS earphones.

Older reports suggested that the purported AirPods Pro 3 will likely be equipped with cameras. It was first tipped by TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last year. Kuo claimed that the cameras could act as infrared sensors and serve a function similar to the iPhone Face ID receiver.

AirPods Pro 3 to Get Health Features Like Heart Rate Monitoring: Report

According to Kuo, the cameras on AirPods will likely offer an enhanced spatial audio experience with the Apple Vision Pro and could also enable "in-air gesture control." These are likely to go into mass production in 2026 and may launch the same year or by 2027.

AirPods Pro 3 Other Likely Upgrades

Previous reports have suggested that the AirPods Pro 3 could be equipped with multiple health-tracking features like a temperature sensor and a heart-rate monitor. Apple is reportedly in the early stages of development and planning to make the heart rate monitor on the AirPods Pro 3 accurate. The users have been tipped to be required to wear both earphones for the heart rate monitoring feature to send relevant information to the Apple Health app.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Classic design with improved controls
Comfortable fit
State-of-the-art charging case
Very good battery life
Flexible, eager sound quality
Excellent ANC and transparency modes

Bad
Some features only work on Apple devices
Somewhat expensive

Read detailed Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones review

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Further reading: AirPods Pro 3, AirPods, Apple, Mark Gurman, AirPods Pro 2

Sucharita Ganguly

Email Sucharita Ganguly

Sucharita is a writer with Gadgets 360 and is mostly found playing with her cat in her free time. She has previously worked at breaking news desks across organizations. Powered by coffee, The Beatles, Bowie, and her... more »