Apple Prepares AirPods With Cameras, iOS 27 Beta Reveals New Device Code

The second beta of iOS 27 has revealed internal references to a new Apple device with the code name B790, believed to be the next-generation AirPods equipped with cameras. Developer Sam Henri Gold discovered system files mentioning "two images from cameras on both sides of the user's head," suggesting integrated cameras within the earbuds themselves. Initially, Gold speculated the device might be Apple smart glasses, but later concluded the code name aligns better with rumors about camera-equipped AirPods.

These cameras are not expected to capture photos or videos but rather to gather visual data to enhance Apple's artificial intelligence capabilities. This would allow the AirPods to understand the user's surroundings and provide contextual responses through Siri without needing to use the iPhone's camera. This integration aims to enable faster and more natural interactions based on the environment the user sees.

There is some uncertainty regarding the device code, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported the project under the code B798, which might indicate different development stages or related projects. Earlier reports suggested Apple planned to launch these AirPods with cameras this year, but software development challenges delayed the release. Current expectations are for the product to debut next year, potentially alongside the iPhone's 20th anniversary launch.