Apple develops camera-equipped AirPods for Visual Intelligence

Apple is reportedly developing next-generation AirPods Pro equipped with low-resolution optical and infrared cameras to support Visual Intelligence and Apple Intelligence. Software assets discovered in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 developer firmware suggest these sensors, codenamed B790 or B798, are designed to provide real-time environmental context to Siri rather than capturing traditional high-resolution photos or videos.

These cameras could enable users to interact with their surroundings hands-free by asking Siri to identify landmarks, read text on signboards or book covers, and recognize physical items. The hardware integration aims to maintain the existing stem design without significantly altering the shape of the earbuds.

Beyond AI assistance, the camera sensors may enhance spatial audio by detecting which screen a wearer is looking at—such as a laptop, smartphone, or TV—and narrowing the audio focus accordingly. While some reports suggest a potential launch as early as late 2026, other rumors indicate the product may not arrive until fall 2027.