The long-discussed AirPods with built-in cameras may be closer to realization. According to a report from 9to5Mac, developer Sam Henri Gold discovered references to an unreleased Apple device codenamed B790 in the iOS 27.2 beta version.
The long-discussed AirPods with built-in cameras may be closer to realization. According to a report from 9to5Mac, developer Sam Henri Gold discovered references to an unreleased Apple device codenamed B790 in the iOS 27.2 beta version.
Although Apple has not yet confirmed the purpose of this codename, the strings found in the leak describe a product capable of taking pictures using 'cameras on both sides of the user's head.' This detail aligns closely with previous rumors about AirPods equipped with cameras.
The code leak points to the possibility of integration with Visual Intelligence—an Apple AI feature that allows understanding surrounding objects and environments through a camera. On current iPhone models, users can point the camera at an object to identify landmarks, translate text, or receive contextual answers. Applying this capability to AirPods would allow users to interact with the feature without taking out their iPhone.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg previously stated that the Cupertino tech giant is developing AirPods equipped with miniature cameras or infrared sensors as part of its broader push toward wearable artificial intelligence. However, according to 9to5Mac, the internal codename differs from what Bloomberg mentioned earlier (B798 instead of B790), although this discrepancy may be due to different development stages.
New AirPods were previously expected this year, but it is now believed that a delay has occurred due to software development issues. Industry sources suggest they might debut alongside Apple's anticipated 20th-anniversary iPhone next year.