Apple’s plans for camera-equipped AirPods designed for AI features remain on track for a 2027 release, even after a recent internal video leak suggested the product could arrive earlier, according to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman.
The new earbuds, intended to push Apple deeper into the AI wearables market, were originally targeted for introduction in 2026. They entered advanced testing with Apple employees in the spring. However, supply-chain and software challenges led the company to postpone the project until 2027, as Gurman previously reported in June.
Earlier this week, a developer version of a macOS software update accidentally included a demo video showing the camera-equipped AirPods in action with Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature. The video, first highlighted by MacRumors, depicted the earbuds analyzing real-world objects — such as reading a book title — to provide context to Siri. The leak, coming ahead of Apple’s expected September iPhone event, sparked speculation that an earlier launch might be imminent.
Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence.
This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026
Gurman reports that product challenges are still being resolved, and the camera AirPods remain off Apple’s 2026 release schedule. Sources familiar with the matter said Apple continues to target a 2027 introduction.
Apple has worked on at least two versions of the product. One, code-named B790, was a modified version of the AirPods Pro 3 with added sensors and AI capabilities; this is the model that appears in the leaked video and had been on the 2026 roadmap until recently. The other, B798, is a new generation of AirPods Pro that also includes the cameras.
The cameras are low-resolution sensors meant to scan the surrounding environment and feed visual context to Siri and other AI tools, rather than capture photos or videos. Apple is reportedly mindful of privacy concerns, particularly in light of backlash against similar camera-equipped devices from other companies.
The 2027 launch could align with other major products in Apple’s pipeline, including a glass-centric 20th-anniversary iPhone and potentially other AI-focused wearables.
MacDailyNews Take: So, quell.
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