Apple appears to be on the verge of redefining its audio lineup with the introduction of camera equipped AirPods. Evidence for the upcoming hardware surfaced recently within a release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7, where a leaked demo video showcases the device in action. In the clip, a user holds up a book to let the integrated camera read the title, while a voiceover explains how Visual Intelligence allows users to save items from their physical environment simply by asking Siri.
This new capability transforms the earbuds into eyes for Apple’s artificial intelligence, allowing Siri to analyze surroundings and log information in real time. However, the technology requires a clear line of sight to function properly. According to internal alerts discovered in the software, users will be notified if their hair covers the sensors, reminding them to keep the devices unobstructed to ensure they receive the most accurate environmental data.
Industry insiders suggest these devices, known internally by the codename B790, could arrive much sooner than some analysts originally predicted. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicates that a launch could happen as early as September. This would place the reveal during Apple’s traditional autumn showcase, potentially sharing the stage with high profile releases like the iPhone 18 Pro series and the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Ultra.
While previous reports suggested such AI wearables might slip toward 2027, current evidence suggests Apple has accelerated its timeline for this specific project. By integrating tiny cameras into a form factor similar to existing Pro models, Apple aims to pivot its earbud strategy away from simple audio consumption and toward an active augmented reality experience that blends digital assistance with everyday vision.