Several outlets report that Apple’s long-rumored AirPods with built-in cameras could arrive sooner than previously expected. Earlier rumors suggested the first camera-equipped model would slip from this year into next year, but a new report says timing may be faster. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, cited by multiple outlets, says Apple is working on at least two related camera AirPods projects under internal code names: “B798” and “B790.” The B798 version has been described as a more advanced model within a broader AI wearables effort that also includes smart glasses and a wearable AI pendant, with past expectations placing it for a later release. The B790 project, by contrast, is described as closer to production, with signs of development appearing in iOS 27 code and internal listings suggesting it could ship before the end of the year. Sources also characterize the camera-equipped AirPods as likely focused on delivering live surroundings to Siri and Apple’s Visual Intelligence features rather than taking photos or recording video. Because the product would likely cost more than the current top AirPods Pro price point, branding may shift to something like “AirPods Ultra.”
Apple’s rumored camera-equipped AirPods may launch as soon as next month
Several outlets report that Apple’s long-rumored AirPods with built-in cameras could arrive sooner than previously expected. Earlier rumors suggested the first camera-equipped model would slip from th...
- Apple is rumored to develop AirPods with built-in cameras as part of an AI wearables push.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple could launch the first camera-equipped AirPods as soon as next month.
- Two internal code names are mentioned: “B798” (earlier rumored for later) and “B790” (reported as closer to production).
- Reported signs of “B790” development include appearances in iOS 27 code and internal product listings.
- The camera sensors are expected to provide a live view for Siri and Visual Intelligence rather than being used mainly for photos or video.
Apple's heavily rumored AirPods with cameras could actually launch as soon as this year, despite earlier reports.
1 hour agoApple's first camera-equipped AirPods could launch as soon as next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple has reportedly spent years working on camera-equipped AirPods under the code name "B798," as part of a broader AI wearables push that also encompasses smart glasses and a wearable AI pendant. That model had been on track for a 2026 release before slipping to 2027. In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that a separate camera AirPods project, code named "B790," has been progressing alongside B798. He noted this isn't unusual for Apple, saying the company "famously creates competing versions of the same product internally." He added that the B790 hardware is closer to production. Pieces of it have turned up in iOS 27's code, and it is reportedly listed internally as a candidate to ship before the year is out. It is not the first sign of B790's existence. Developer Sam Henri Gold found traces of the same codename buried in the second iOS 27 developer beta last month. Gurman did not mention what separates the B790 hardware from the more advanced B798 model, and it's still an open question whether Apple will ultimately ship both. Rather than taking photos or video, the sensors in Apple's camera AirPods are expected to hand Siri a live view of a wearer's surroundings, tying into existing Visual Intelligence tools. Because a camera-equipped model is expected to cost more than the current $249 AirPods Pro 3, Gurman previously said Apple is weighing "AirPods Ultra" branding rather than calling them "AirPods Pro 4." If the B790 model does arrive this year, a September debut alongside new iPhones is the most likely scenario, while the fuller featured B798 version remains slated for late 2027.Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3Tags: Bloomberg, Mark GurmanBuyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution), AirPods Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "AirPods With Cameras Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
2 hours agoApple has been working on camera-equipped AirPods for quite some time, with Visual Intelligence at the forefront of the product. This product had initially been rumored for this year, then ended up getting pushed back to sometime next year. However, there’s now a new chance that we end up seeing our first version of camera-equipped AirPods later this year anyways. Here’s why.
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