Apple recently launched the AirPods Pro 3 with a single marquee feature, one relating to Apple Intelligence. However, if the latest tidbit pans out, the device's next iteration would be all about spatial perception.

For the uninitiated, Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 feature smaller earbuds that offer a better fit, an improved spatial listening experience, up to 2x more effective noise cancelation, live translation powered by Apple Intelligence , a heart rate sensor, an 8-hour long battery, and IP57 sweat and water resistance, all for just $249.

However, as is evident from the X post above, the tipster Kosutami believes the next AirPods Pro will be able to perceive their surroundings. What's more, this feature is not expected to result in a corresponding price bump.

Of course, it remains unclear if Apple will equip the AirPods Pro 4 with an actual camera or merely an IR sensor. After all, the prolific Apple-geared analyst, Ming Chi-Kuo, tipped back in 2024 that IR camera-equipped Apple earbuds were in the offing.

This comes as in July 2025 for leveraging cameras - akin to the Face ID's dot projector - in proximity detection and 3D depth mapping use cases, which obviously has tantalizing applications for its bespoke earbuds.

We would hazard a guess that these new AirPods Pro could serve as stepping stone for Apple to introduce its rumored AI pin, which would be roughly the size of an AirTag and come equipped with multiple cameras, a speaker, microphones, and wireless charging .

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