Apple's Camera-Equipped AirPods Leak
A demo video in macOS 26.7 reveals how AirPods with built-in cameras and Visual Intelligence will work.
A demo video in macOS 26.7 reveals how AirPods with built-in cameras and Visual Intelligence will work.
In the latest test version of macOS 26.7 (release candidate), the most concrete evidence yet has emerged that Apple is actively developing AirPods with built-in cameras. Analyst Aaron Perris on platform X discovered, as reported by MacRumors, a demo video showing a person wearing the earbuds and holding a book in front of their face, while a voice assistant in the background explains the functionality.
In the video, the sentence: "With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later." is heard. This suggests that the cameras on the earbuds will primarily serve to analyze the environment and answer questions, rather than for traditional photography or content recording.
Visual Intelligence is part of Apple's AI feature suite known as Apple Intelligence. It functions similarly to Google's Gemini Live, allowing the device to see the user's surroundings and respond to specific questions based on that. The cameras on the AirPods will be used exclusively to send information about the environment to Apple Intelligence, which will process it and provide answers via Siri.
MacRumors also found additional references in the system confirming this functionality, including a warning to users: "To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered." This refers to situations where hair or other objects block the camera's view on the earbuds.
In macOS 26.7, the codename B790 was also discovered, which is associated with the upcoming camera-equipped earbuds model. As for the launch timing, sources disagree. According to Android Authority, Apple could unveil the new AirPods as early as next month at the iPhone event, where the first Apple foldable phone, dubbed iPhone Ultra, is also expected.
On the other hand, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman previously stated that Apple may have delayed the launch until as late as 2027. MacRumors, however, believes there is a possibility of a debut alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro generation.
Apple's adoption of cameras in earbuds could prompt other manufacturers to follow a similar approach. In the coming years, it would not be surprising if major brands like Samsung introduced their own Galaxy Buds with built-in cameras, which could change the way we use wireless earbuds in everyday life.
