Apple continues to work on developing a new generation of AirPods, which could be one of its most controversial wearable products. Recent leaks have revealed plans to equip the headphones with small cameras and advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

Although a leaked video shows the headphones in use, it seems that their release will not be imminent, with predictions that they will arrive in 2027.

A video appeared in an experimental version of macOS that inadvertently revealed the new AirPods while working with Apple's visual intelligence feature. The leak sparked speculation about the possibility of the company announcing the headphones at its highly anticipated September event, but reports indicate that the product is still not on Apple’s 2026 release schedule.

Small cameras for artificial intelligence
 

The cameras in the new AirPods will not work in the traditional way of phone cameras. The circulating information indicates that they will be low-resolution sensors designed to scan the user's surrounding environment.

The idea is to use this data to help Siri and AI features understand objects and the user’s surroundings, which could allow the headphones to provide more relevant information about what a person sees in their environment.

In this way, AirPods can gradually evolve from being simply headphones for listening and making calls into an intelligent wearable device capable of leveraging artificial intelligence to understand its surrounding environment.

Software issues and supply chain problems

Despite the project reaching an advanced stage of testing, reports indicate that Apple faced challenges related to software and the supply chain, which led to a delay in the launch date from 2026 to 2027.

The appearance of the headphones in a software leak means that Apple has already made significant progress in their development, but it does not necessarily mean that the product is ready for commercial release.

Privacy is a major challenge

One of the main questions facing Apple when releasing these headphones is privacy. The presence of cameras inside the earphones means that the device can analyze its user's surroundings, which could raise concerns about people nearby.
This issue becomes even more important given the previous controversy surrounding wearable devices equipped with cameras, making it essential for Apple to establish clear controls ensuring that technology is used in a way that respects the privacy of others.

Two versions are under development

Leaks indicate that Apple is working on two versions of AirPods equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence. One version, designated B790, is associated with a design based on AirPods Pro 3, while the other, B798, represents an updated version of AirPods Pro with cameras and AI features.

2027 could be a busy year for Apple
 

If Apple sticks to its current plans, new AirPods could arrive in 2027 alongside a range of future products including smart glasses, wearable devices with cameras and a foldable iPhone, as well as a smart home screen focused on AI technology.

The leak confirms that camera and AI-enabled AirPods are an actual project Apple is working on, but their launch appears to be delayed until 2027. If the company can overcome software, supply chain and privacy challenges, these headphones could become one of Apple’s most significant steps toward a future of AI-powered wearable devices.