Apple appears to be accelerating the timeline for its long-rumored camera-equipped AirPods. According to the latest edition of Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, the first version of these earbuds could be announced as soon as September. The news comes after months of speculation that had pushed the launch to 2027. A new internal variant codenamed B790 seems to be much further along in development and might beat the original schedule.
This development fits into a broader wave of changes at Apple. The company recently overhauled its iPhone upgrade program, ending the iPhone Upgrade Program in favor of Klarna leases in the United States, as we covered in this article. That move highlights how Cupertino is rethinking its entire device and accessory strategy. In such a context, an early arrival for camera AirPods would not be surprising.
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Two versions in the works, B798 and B790
For years, reports have mentioned a project named B798, originally planned for 2026 and then delayed to 2027. That version is likely the more advanced one, packed with flagship-level features. Alongside it, Apple has reportedly been developing a second variant called B790, which sources describe as closer to launch. Both share the core idea of embedding a camera into the earbuds and leveraging Visual Intelligence to deliver real-time recognition abilities.
Evidence found in iOS 27 code
A key clue comes from the operating system. Last month, developer Sam Henri Gold spotted references to the B790 in the iOS 27 beta 2. Those traces are not accidental and indicate that Apple is actively testing the hardware. Having the B790 already present in the OS suggests the project has reached a mature stage. Historically, similar code references have preceded product launches by just a few months, as seen with AirPods Pro.
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Expected design and features
Previous leaks point to AirPods with slightly longer stems than the AirPods Pro to accommodate the camera modules. An LED on the case may indicate when data is being sent to the cloud. Visual Intelligence, already available on iPhone and other devices, would allow users to point the earbuds at an object or a place to receive instant information. This could turn the AirPods into a hands-free visual assistant, far beyond their traditional role as audio accessories.
A possible September debut
Apple is known for creating competing versions of the same product before choosing a final design. This approach helps evaluate different technical solutions and minimize risks. If the B790 passes final testing, a September launch is realistic, possibly during the company's traditional fall event dedicated to iPhone and Apple Watch. Of course, plans can still shift. But for the first time in months, the signals point to a 2026 arrival rather than 2027.
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Mark Gurman, who broke the news, is one of the most reliable voices in the Apple world. His predictions are based on internal documents and conversations with company employees. For a broader history of Apple's earbuds, you can check the Wikipedia page dedicated to AirPods. If the reports hold true, the camera-equipped AirPods could become one of the most innovative product launches of the year, joining other industry advances in artificial intelligence.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/02/airpods-with-cameras-visual-intelligence-could-arrive-this-year
