Apple will not be launching a new set of AirPods earbuds equipped with cameras during the iPhone launch event likely to take place next month.
After a video demonstrating the unannounced product appeared within the macOS 27 release candidate earlier this week, hopes were raised for a rapid release of the next-generation of AirPods Pro.
While it seems certain Apple is indeed gearing up for launch, it won’t be until 2027 according to in-the-know Apple watcher Mark Gurman. The Bloomberg reporter is sticking with his original prediction, saying the earbuds release “remains on track for 2027.”
Gurman was reiterating his latest reporting last weekend, where he wrote: “For years, Apple has been working on the camera AirPods under the code name B798. This device was initially scheduled for release in 2026 before being postponed until 2027, I’ve reported.”
The stunning leak of the rumoured AirPods with Cameras showed the Siri-based Visual Intelligence functionality in action. A brief video showed how AirPods could be used with Siri to request the cameras save something for later.
In the example shown in the video, a wearer holds up a book and it’s captured by the cameras in the AirPods. “With Visual Intelligence your world becomes saveable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later,” the video narration explains. Stuff.tv has not been able to independently confirm the validity of the video.
The video leak immediately raised privacy concerns given the potential to serendipitously capture imagery. In some instances it appears as if AirPods with cameras could be more concerning than Meta’s Ray Bans. When Apple does decide to release the product, the company is going to bring some exceptional privacy guardrails to the table. If a 2026 release is indeed off the table, the company may see the reaction and pivot somewhat.
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