Leaked footage in macOS Tahoe 26.7 suggests Apple is testing camera-equipped AirPods that could identify objects and surroundings to enhance AI interactions, with a potential launch expected in late 2027 as a premium accessory.
Apple’s rumoured AirPods with built-in cameras have moved a step closer to reality after a new video surfaced in Apple’s macOS Tahoe 26.7 release, offering the clearest hint yet that the company is testing an eyewear-free visual intelligence device. The clip, first highlighted by MacRumours, shows a wearer using the earbuds while holding up a book, with the system apparently reading the title and feeding the information into Apple’s broader AI tools.
The footage suggests the cameras are not intended to work like conventional photo or video sensors. Instead, they appear designed to supply contextual data to Siri and Apple’s Visual Intelligence framework, allowing the device to identify objects and surroundings. In the demo, Apple also appears to warn users that the best results depend on the earbuds not being obstructed, with a message indicating that hair coverage could affect accuracy.
That detail fits with earlier reporting from MacRumours, Bloomberg and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all of which have pointed to a camera-equipped AirPods project under development at Apple. The device has been linked to the codename B790, with some reports suggesting a second variant, B798, is also in progress. Sources have described the hardware as using tiny infrared cameras and computer vision rather than standard imaging sensors, with the aim of improving AI interaction, gesture input and integration with Vision Pro.
The latest leak has also revived speculation over timing. Some reports had suggested the product could appear earlier, but MacRumours and Bloomberg have both said a late-2027 launch is more likely. If it does arrive, the price is expected to sit above current AirPods Pro models, which in India are listed at Rs 25,900, and Apple may choose a new name such as AirPods Ultra rather than extending the Pro line. That would position the device as a premium AI accessory, rather than a simple refresh of the existing earbuds.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
