Apple’s highly anticipated AirPods with built-in cameras have reached the final stages of testing, as reported by Mark Gurman. This development follows initial rumors that emerged in February.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the upcoming AirPods are currently undergoing design validation testing (DVT). Internal prototypes of the earbuds are being evaluated at Apple.
Apple AirPods Pro 3After the DVT phase, which signifies the final stages of development, the AirPods will transition into production validation testing (PVT), where early mass-production units will be manufactured.
Gurman notes that while the hardware is nearing completion, the launch of the AirPods with built-in cameras may still face delays if Apple is not satisfied with the associated AI performance. While they were originally slated for release in the first half of this year, delays linked to the updated Siri have pushed the timeline back.
The cameras on these anticipated AirPods, potentially branded as AirPods Ultra according to recent leaks, are designed to work with Siri to enhance user awareness of their environment. Gurman further mentions that the design will be similar to the existing AirPods Pro 3, although the stems may be slightly elongated to accommodate the camera components.
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