Video Shows Camera-Equipped AirPods in Action

A video uncovered in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate appears to show Apple's long-rumored camera-equipped AirPods in action, according to a report from MacRumors. The short demo features a man holding a book up so the camera in the AirPods can see the title, with a voiceover saying: "With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later."

The video also includes a direct reference to setting up Visual Intelligence on the AirPods, and MacRumors reports that the camera will feed information to Visual Intelligence, allowing Siri to answer questions about the wearer's surroundings and log information. The AirPods will apparently warn users if they are covered by hair, with a message stating: "To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered."

Codename and Development Timeline

The camera-equipped AirPods are reportedly known by the codename B790, a device that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously mentioned. According to MacRumors, macOS Tahoe 26.7 contains multiple other mentions of B790, as well as references to a long list of other unreleased Apple products.

Gurman reported on Aug. 2 that Apple could release the camera-equipped AirPods later this year, earlier than previous reports of a 2027 launch. That prediction was based on code found in the iOS 27 beta releases that reference B790. The device is reportedly a version of another camera-equipped AirPods device code-named B798, and B790 is supposedly further along in development than its counterpart.

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.

Possible Launch Timing

If Apple does release camera-equipped AirPods this year, a September launch would be the most likely scenario, according to CNET. The company has historically used its fall iPhone events to introduce major AirPods updates, including the AirPods 4 in 2024 and AirPods Pro updates in 2025. However, Apple has also announced audio products outside its September events, so a different launch window remains possible.

Gurman has suggested the AirPods could launch as soon as September, potentially at the iPhone-centric event where Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra, as reported by MacRumors.

AI-Focused Wearable and Privacy Considerations

Bloomberg reported in June that camera-equipped AirPods are meant to be Apple's first AI-focused wearable product. Rather than capturing photos or videos, the cameras would function as visual sensors, giving Siri more context about what's happening around the user. The AirPod cameras would analyze images and provide context based on what they see.

Privacy concerns have been raised about wearable devices with built-in cameras, including Meta's smart glasses, which have drawn criticism over concerns that people could be photographed or recorded without their knowledge or consent, as noted by CNET.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the camera-equipped AirPods remains unclear. The AirPods 4 start at $129, while the AirPods Max sell for $549. CNET reports that a new camera-equipped model could cost as much as or more than the AirPods Max.

An Apple representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from CNET.