Despite the leak, Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods are still scheduled to launch in 2027

Despite internal leaks at Apple suggesting that products may debut earlier, the project for AirPods equipped with cameras is still progressing according to the timeline set for 2027.

Media reports in early May indicated that this new type of earphone aims to help the iPhone manufacturer enter the AI wearable device market, originally planned for release this year, and had already entered a deep testing phase among Apple employees in the spring.

However, media reports in mid-June stated that as summer approached and Apple prepared for mass production of the earphones, issues arose in both the supply chain and software, forcing Apple to delay the product until 2027.

Earlier this week, a developer version of a Mac computer software update unexpectedly leaked content related to several unreleased Apple products, including a video demonstrating the actual operation of the AirPods with a camera.

MacRumors was the first to release the video, confirming Bloomberg's earlier report: these AirPods will utilize visual intelligence features, relying on the camera to recognize real-world objects and perform actions.

As the September iPhone launch event approaches, the appearance of related materials in this upcoming official system firmware has sparked speculation that this new AirPods will soon be unveiled.

However, various product-related challenges are still being addressed, and the AirPods with a camera are not included in Apple's 2026 product release list. Several insiders indicated that Apple still assesses that these earphones will be launched in 2027; due to the involvement of undisclosed products, the insiders requested anonymity.

A representative from Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, declined to comment.

The AirPods with a camera have also sparked privacy controversies on social media. Some users are uneasy about the product's ability to capture images of others without their knowledge, with some even jokingly referring to the device as "creepy headphones."

However, insiders revealed that the device is equipped with a low-resolution sensor. The camera is not used for taking photos or recording videos; its purpose is to scan the surrounding environment and provide contextual background information for Siri and other AI tools.

For a long time, privacy protection has been a core marketing point for Apple, which aims to avoid the numerous privacy complaints faced by smart glasses under the Meta platform.

Further reading: Apple's smart glasses need to avoid the privacy storm experienced by Meta.

During the development of the new AirPods, Apple is working on two versions, codenamed B790 and B798.

The B790 version was included in the 2026 product plan until recently; this model is a modification of the AirPods Pro 3 released last year, adding sensors and AI capabilities, and the version shown in the video is this one. The B798 is the next-generation AirPods Pro, also equipped with a camera.

If these earphones are ultimately released next year, they will become part of Apple's intensive new product lineup for 2027, alongside Apple's first smart glasses. As part of its AI wearable strategy, Apple is also developing a camera pendant device that can be worn around the neck or on clothing Even if the camera-equipped AirPods do not launch as scheduled, the incoming CEO John Ternus will introduce several new flagship products during his first holiday season, including Apple's first foldable iPhone and a smart home display compatible with the AI-enhanced Siri.

Further reading: After setting performance records, Apple CEO will hand over power to his deputy.

In addition, Apple is developing its first touchscreen MacBook, smart home security cameras, a smart display with a robotic arm version, a new set-top box, and an updated HomePod mini. There are also plans for multiple updated Mac computers and a new iPad equipped with more powerful processors. The release dates for these products are expected to be spread from this fall to the end of next year