The Short Version
Reports say Apple's $2 billion purchase of Q.ai, a silent speech startup, may power an AirPods Pro 3 with infrared cameras that reads lip movements without audible sound, expected by end of 2024.
Apple paid $2 billion for Q.ai, a startup that reads lip movements without any sound at all. That purchase now looks like the reason AirPods Pro 3 may include infrared cameras. The goal is silent speech, letting you mouth words and have your earbuds understand them. You could give voice commands in a meeting without making a sound.