Apple Accidentally Reveals New AirPods With Cameras and AI Visual Intelligence Feature

Apple inadvertently leaked its upcoming AirPods model equipped with cameras through a video found in the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate version, according to MacRumors. The new AirPods are expected to feature low-resolution cameras that feed images directly to Apple's AI assistant, Siri, enabling a new Visual Intelligence function that can describe what the user sees. This leak confirms earlier reports by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman from May about the inclusion of cameras in the next AirPods generation.

The leaked video, also shared by user @aaronp613, shows a man wearing the new AirPods asking Siri to recall a book he is reading. Siri responds by highlighting the Visual Intelligence feature, which allows users to save visual information by simply asking. The cameras are discreetly integrated, and the AirPods resemble the current AirPods Pro but with a thicker stem.

Privacy concerns have been raised due to the AirPods' camera capabilities, as even low-resolution video capture technically constitutes surveillance. Gurman noted that the device might include an indicator to alert users when the cameras are active. This issue echoes controversies in the US surrounding camera-equipped smart glasses sold by companies like Meta, which have caused discomfort among unaware subjects.

The new AirPods with cameras are anticipated to be officially announced at Apple's iPhone 18 Pro launch event, likely scheduled for September 9. This development marks a significant step in integrating AI and visual data capture into wearable audio devices.