Apple’s development of camera-equipped AirPods appears to be nearing completion, as evidenced by a video discovered in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate. The video showcases a user holding a book up to the AirPods’ camera, with Siri’s voiceover stating, “With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.” This demonstration highlights the integration of Visual Intelligence, enabling Siri to process visual information from the user’s environment.
The AirPods’ camera functionality is designed to feed data to Visual Intelligence, allowing Siri to answer questions about the wearer’s surroundings and log pertinent information. The setup process includes a prompt advising users to ensure the AirPods are not covered by hair for optimal performance, stating, “To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered.”
Internally, these camera-equipped AirPods are referred to by the codename B790, aligning with previous reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman suggested that these AirPods could debut as early as September, potentially coinciding with Apple’s annual iPhone event, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra.
macOS Tahoe 26.7 contains multiple references to the B790 product, indicating that Apple is actively preparing for its release. This development marks a significant step in Apple’s wearable technology, integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into everyday accessories.
The introduction of camera-equipped AirPods signifies Apple’s commitment to enhancing user interaction through AI and wearable technology. By enabling Siri to process visual data, users can expect a more intuitive and context-aware experience. This innovation could pave the way for future developments in wearable AI, potentially transforming how users engage with their devices and surroundings.
