AirPods: Camera project allegedly suspended, yet clues to new model
According to a leaker, Apple is failing to integrate AI image sensors into its earbuds. However, a corresponding codename appears in iOS 27.
Person exercising with AirPods Pro 3.
(Image: Apple)
Apple has reportedly been working on AirPods models with an AI camera since at least the year before last. Most recently, it was said in the spring that they were almost production-ready. Now there are new speculations about this, which even contradict each other: from a leaker, but also in the form of clues discovered in the code of iOS 27. The actual project status therefore remains in the dark.
What the camera AirPods are supposed to do
The idea behind the new AirPods, which are supposed to be a kind of special model of the AirPods Pro 3 from autumn 2025, is to connect them with the Siri or Apple Intelligence function Visual Intelligence. Similar to smart glasses like those from Meta, this should make it possible to have things in the field of vision explained. Photo or even video features are not planned; Apple originally allegedly only planned to install infrared cameras. Another possibility through the integrated cameras would be to control the AirPods via gestures. Currently, this is done by voice or via touch-sensitive fields on the earbuds.
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As the prototype collector and leaker Kosutami now claims, Apple is generally having difficulties with camera AirPods. The project has been “suspended”, he writes on X, referring to an older post. No further details were given – nor were reasons for the “suspension”. How well Kosutami is informed remains in the dark – he has been right in the past, but also had prediction failures. His latest rumor: Apple Watch bands with integrated sensor technology.
Details in the Beta of iOS 27
Contradicting the suspension of the project is the fact that there is a clue in the second developer beta of iOS 27 to a new AirPods product. Developer Sam Gold discovered a reference in the code to a product with the codename B790, which can transmit two images of cameras located on each side of the user's purchase. These could be “AirPods Ultra” or another newly designated audio device.
This fits with the fact that the codename for the AirPods Pro 3 was “B788”. However, the term is unsuitable for smart glasses that Apple may be developing, as they are internally called allegedly N50.
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