Apple’s AirPods to get cameras by late 2026

Apple is reportedly working on camera-equipped AirPods—internally dubbed **B790**—with a potential launch window before the end of 2026. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device would embed visual sensors to enhance Siri’s contextual awareness, allowing the AI assistant to interpret a user’s surroundings (e.g., objects or activities nearby) without relying solely on audio inputs. References to B790 have already appeared in iOS 27 beta code, suggesting the project is advancing toward production. While Apple has not officially announced the product, a September debut alongside new iPhones remains plausible.

The move aligns with Apple’s broader AI wearable strategy, which includes future smart glasses and standalone AI devices. Unlike traditional cameras, these sensors would prioritize real-time visual data capture for AI processing rather than photography or video recording. The integration with Apple’s **Visual Intelligence** features could transform AirPods from audio-focused accessories into proactive computing devices. However, the addition of cameras raises practical and privacy concerns, including potential increases in size/weight, user skepticism over active sensors, and industry-wide scrutiny over unobtrusive recording. Apple may mitigate these issues with visible indicators to signal when cameras are operational.