Apple is developing new AirPods featuring low-resolution cameras and AI capabilities that use Visual Intelligence to scan the environment and assist Siri, according to multiple reports [1, 2, 3, 4]. The earbuds are designed with sensors not for photography or video capture but to enable smarter contextual awareness [1, 2, 3, 4].
Internal testing among Apple employees began in spring 2026, with the product originally slated for release later that year [1, 2, 3]. Two internal AirPods models have been in development: the B790, based on AirPods Pro 3 with additional AI sensors, and the next-generation B798 [2, 3, 4]. A video leaked on August 18, 2026, from a developer release of macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC showed the B790 version in action [1, 2, 3, 4].
However, supply chain challenges and software issues have delayed mass production, pushing the official launch to 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Apple insider sources say the company still intends to release the earbuds in 2027 despite recent leaks and speculation [1]. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman added, “蘋果目前仍在處理產品面臨的技術問題，相機版AirPods並未被列入2026年的產品發布規劃中” (Apple is still addressing technical issues and has removed the camera AirPods from the 2026 product roadmap) [3].
The announcement of the camera-equipped AirPods in 2027 is expected to coincide with other new AI wearables, including Apple’s first smart glasses [2, 3]. Apple plans multiple AI and wearable products extending through the end of 2027, such as foldable iPhones, AI-enabled Siri smart displays, touchscreen MacBooks, and upgraded Macs and iPads [2, 3].
The inclusion of cameras in AirPods has sparked privacy concerns on social media, with some critics dubbing them "PervertPods." Apple said it aims to implement strong privacy protections to avoid issues faced by competitors like Meta’s smart glasses [1, 2, 3, 4].
Apple’s upcoming September 2026 iPhone event is generating speculation about the AirPods launch, but no official launch is currently expected this year [1, 2, 3, 4]. The next major step will be the anticipated introduction of these camera-equipped AirPods alongside a suite of AI and wearable devices in 2027 [2, 3].
