Apple's Upcoming AirPods Model May Feature Built-In Cameras for AI Interaction

The second beta version of iOS 27 has revealed new clues about an upcoming Apple product, identified by the internal code B790. Developer Sam Henri Gold discovered files within the iOS 27 Beta 2 system that reference a future AirPods model equipped with cameras. The files describe "two images from cameras on both sides of the user's head," suggesting the integration of cameras directly into the earbuds. Initially, Gold speculated the reference might be to Apple's rumored smart glasses, but further analysis aligned the code name with previous reports about AirPods featuring built-in cameras.

These cameras are not expected to capture photos or videos but rather to collect visual data to enhance Apple's artificial intelligence capabilities. This would allow the AirPods to understand the user's surroundings in real time, enabling more natural and immediate responses from Siri without relying on the iPhone's camera. The discovery of code name B790 contrasts with an earlier Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, which mentioned a similar project under the code B798, possibly indicating different development stages or related products.

Earlier reports suggested Apple planned to launch these new AirPods this year, but software development challenges have delayed the release. Current expectations are that Apple will unveil the product next year, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone launch.