Apple is reportedly developing camera-equipped AirPods that could turn the popular earbuds into its first AI-focused wearable. The rumored model would use cameras to give Siri visual information about a wearer’s surroundings. A launch is currently expected sometime in 2027.
The project gained fresh attention after references appeared in macOS Tahoe 26.7. Apple also apparently left a demonstration video in the software showing how the technology could work. In the demo, a user holds up a book while Visual Intelligence recognizes what the AirPods can see.
Cameras Could Give Siri New Eyes
The cameras would send environmental information to Visual Intelligence. Therefore, Siri could answer questions about nearby objects or record useful information for later. The software may even warn users when hair blocks the earbuds and reduces camera accuracy.
Moreover, the technology could support walking directions, contextual reminders, and 3D mapping. It may also identify plants, animals, landmarks, books, art, and other objects without requiring users to open their iPhone camera.
Two Cameras, but No Video Recording
Code discovered in macOS suggests each earbud could contain its own camera. The two sensors would capture synchronized color images from slightly different angles, giving Visual Intelligence more environmental context.
However, the system apparently focuses on still images rather than video recording. Active mode could capture 640-by-640 images, while a passive mode may use 320-by-320 images for environmental awareness.
Importantly, code also points to hardware indicator lights that would signal when images are being captured. Some processing, including person detection, could happen directly on the AirPods.
Familiar AirPods Pro Design Expected
The earbuds may resemble the current AirPods Pro 3, although cameras would sit inside their stems. Apple could also introduce an H3 chip to improve latency and audio quality.
Pricing remains unknown. However, the additional camera hardware could push the price above the current AirPods Pro 3 level of $249.
Despite their appearance in Apple software, the report says camera-equipped AirPods are now expected in 2027, potentially alongside the 20th-anniversary iPhone.
