Despite a recent leak suggesting that camera-equipped AirPods might debut sooner than expected, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is still sticking to its original timeline for the product's launch in 2027.
According to reports from early May, these new earbuds—designed to push the iPhone maker further into the AI wearable space—had long been slated for release this year and had already entered advanced internal testing among Apple employees during the spring. However, by mid-June, reports indicated that when the company sought to begin production over the summer, supply chain and software hurdles forced a delay to 2027.
Earlier this week, a developer version of a Mac software update unexpectedly contained references to several upcoming Apple products, including a video showing the camera-equipped AirPods in action. That footage, originally published by MacRumors, corroborated earlier reports that the device will rely on "Visual Intelligence"—an Apple feature that uses a camera to analyze objects in the real world and respond accordingly. With Apple's September iPhone event approaching, the leak appearing in pre-release software fueled speculation that the new AirPods might be imminent.
But according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the products aren't public, the technical challenges are still being worked through, and the camera AirPods have yet to make it onto the company's 2026 release calendar. Apple still expects the earbuds to arrive in 2027.
The camera-equipped AirPods have also sparked privacy concerns on social media. Some users have expressed unease about Apple offering a product that could potentially record video or take photos without people's knowledge. Some have even started calling the device "pervertpods." However, according to insiders, the onboard camera will be a low-resolution sensor. It is not designed for photography or videography; instead, its purpose is to scan the environment and provide contextual information to the Siri digital assistant and other AI tools.
Apple has long made privacy a central pillar of its marketing, and the company is keen to avoid the kind of backlash Meta faced with its controversial smart glasses. During development of the new AirPods, Apple has been working on two variants: one codenamed B790 and another called B798. The B790 model, which was on the 2026 roadmap until recently, is a modified version of last year's AirPods Pro 3, adding sensors and AI capabilities. According to insiders, this is the version seen in the leaked video. The B798, meanwhile, is the all-new generation AirPods Pro that includes the camera.
If the new AirPods do end up launching next year, they would join a wave of new Apple products slated for 2027, including the company's first smart glasses. As part of its AI wearable strategy, Apple is also developing a camera-equipped pendant that can be worn around the neck or clipped to a shirt. Even without the camera AirPods, incoming CEO John Ternus will have several major new product categories to unveil in his first holiday season at the helm, including the company's first foldable iPhone and a smart home display for the revamped AI-powered Siri.
Additionally, Apple has been developing its first MacBook with a touchscreen, a smart home security camera, a version of its smart display with a robotic arm, a brand-new TV set-top box, and an updated HomePod mini. It also plans to release several new Macs and new iPads equipped with faster processors. These product launches are expected to roll out from this fall through the end of next year.
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