Apple’s much-talked-about camera-equipped AirPods may not launch any time soon. The device reference was also found in the beta version of macOS Tahoe 26.7. Now, as per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s development timeline remains unchanged, with AI-powered earbuds still expected to launch in 2027.
This entire conversation is happening after the leak that had fueled speculation that Apple may introduce the product sooner. The references that were found in the macOS beta reportedly included a demonstration of the earbuds’ rumoured Visual Intelligence capabilities. In the video, a user holds up a book for the earbuds to identify, with the feature suggesting that users could use AI to save or understand things they see around them.
As per the report, Apple had initially been targeting a 2026 release and had already started advanced internal testing earlier this year. However, supply chain constraints and software development issues reportedly created problems as the product moved closer to production, pushing the expected launch into 2027.
The cameras are also said to work differently from those found on smartphones. Apple is reportedly considering low-resolution sensors that may primarily analyse the user’s surroundings and provide contextual information to Siri and other AI features. As a result, this may allow the earbuds to answer questions about the objects or scenes around the wearer and potentially record or save contextual information.
Anyway, Apple is still working on two versions of the camera-equipped AirPods. One model, reportedly carrying the B790 codename, could be based on the existing AirPods Pro 3 design. This is believed to be the version potentially referenced in the leaked macOS demonstration. The second one is codenamed B798 and is reportedly being developed with a different design and new sensors.
Along with this, the company is also reportedly working on its first smart glasses and other camera-based wearable products. However, the brand has not confirmed any of these devices yet.