Apple's AirPods Pro 3 May Enable Siri Control Without Speaking

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Rumors suggest Apple's next-generation AirPods Pro earbuds may come equipped with infrared (IR) cameras and leverage AI technology from the company's $2 billion acquisition of Q.ai. This could allow users to control Siri and other device functions through subtle facial movements, without needing to speak out loud.

Why it matters

This innovation could enable more private, discreet interactions with digital assistants, especially in noisy environments where speaking out loud may be disruptive. It also represents Apple's continued investment in advanced sensing and AI technologies to enhance the user experience of its wearable devices.

The details

The IR cameras on the AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to track microfacial movements around the mouth and jaw, which Q.ai's AI software could then translate into commands, text, or Siri interactions. This would allow users to draft messages, control apps, or speak to Siri without making any audible sounds. Apple was also recently granted a patent for camera-based systems similar to Face ID's dot projector, which could enable proximity detection and 3D depth mapping on the earbuds.

• Apple acquired the Israeli AI startup Q.ai for $2 billion earlier this year.
• In July 2025, Apple was granted a patent for camera-based systems similar to Face ID's dot projector.
• The AirPods Pro 3 with IR cameras are expected to launch in September 2026.

What’s next

The exact use cases and implementation details of the silent Siri control feature on the AirPods Pro 3 are still unknown, but Apple is expected to showcase the technology when the new earbuds are launched in September 2026.