Apple may launch camera-equipped AirPods as early as September 2026, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The earbuds are expected to debut alongside Apple’s next iPhone lineup, though the company has not officially confirmed the launch. The move is part of Apple’s growing focus on AI-powered wearables that use cameras to help Siri understand its surroundings.
Two AirPods projects are reportedly under development: B790 and B798. The B790 model appears to be further along and could launch in September 2026, while B798 is linked to a later 2027 release. References to B790 in iOS 27 code have added weight to the 2026 timeline.
The rumored Camera AirPods are not intended for photography. Instead, the cameras will capture visual input for Apple’s Visual Intelligence features, enabling Siri to recognize objects, read text, and identify landmarks. According to Gurman, the cameras “can’t capture media” — they are designed solely to feed information to Siri. The system may also request a second image when lighting or clarity affects recognition.
The earbuds could feature longer stems to accommodate camera hardware and an LED indicator for cloud data transfers. Apple may use the “AirPods Ultra” name for the high-end product, positioning it above the current AirPods Pro range.
However, a separate report from TechTimes creates uncertainty around the September timeline. It suggests B790 could instead be a camera-free AirPods update this year, leaving B798 as the main camera-focused model planned for 2027. With conflicting reports and no official confirmation from Apple, the final design, features, pricing, and launch date remain unconfirmed.