AirPods with camera: everything we know about Apple's new headphones

  • Apple is developing two prototype AirPods with a camera: the B790 (possible launch in 2026) and the B798 (more advanced, for 2027).
  • The cameras will not be used to take photos, but to enhance artificial intelligence and computer vision.
  • They are expected to include the H3 chip, a privacy LED, and a design with longer stems.
  • Its price could be around 300 euros, and it would be presented alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September.

AirPods with camera

For months, rumors about some AirPods equipped with camera They haven't stopped circulating. Although at first it seemed like a far-fetched idea, leaks and findings in the iOS 27 code have confirmed that Apple is seriously working on this project. The Californian company is reportedly developing two different prototypes, one of which could be released this year.

The purpose of these headphones is not to take photos, but to integrate Apple's artificial intelligence to offer computer vision functions. AirPods with a camera would act as Siri's 'eyes'This allows you to recognize objects, places, and signs without taking your iPhone out of your pocket. Below, we review everything that is known so far.

AirPods with built-in camera
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Two prototypes under development: B798 and B790

According to journalist Mark Gurman, Apple has internally created two competing versions of these headphones. The model codenamed B798 is the more ambitious, and its release has reportedly been delayed until 2027. However, The second prototype, called B790, would be much more advanced. And it already appears in the second beta of iOS 27, as discovered by developer Sam Henri Gold. Gurman claims that this model is on Apple's roadmap for this year, so it's possible it will be unveiled in September alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro.

AirPods with camera

Camera features: visual intelligence and privacy

The cameras in these AirPods will not be used to capture images, but to power the Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence system. Thanks to Visual Intelligence technology, the headphones will be able to identify objects and offer contextual guidance. and answer questions about the environment in real time. They are also expected to improve adaptive audio by visually analyzing the scene. To ensure privacy, the prototypes would include an LED that illuminates when data is sent to the cloud, and the stems would be slightly longer to accommodate the sensors.

AirPods Pro with cameras to see your surroundings
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AirPods with camera

Possible price and release date

Although Apple has not confirmed anything, leaks suggest that the B790 model could be announced at the September 2026 event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices. As for the price, it is speculated that it would be around 300 eurosThis is based on the pricing strategy of the AirPods Pro 3, which were launched at a lower price to make room for this version with a camera. H3 chip, which would manage AI and improving efficiency would be another key component.

AirPods with camera

AirPods with cameras are looking increasingly real. With two prototypes in development, one of them about to be released, Apple is looking to take a leap forward in integrating artificial intelligence into its accessories. The combination of computer vision, adaptive audio, and gesture control This could make these headphones an indispensable accessory for the Apple ecosystem, although we'll have to wait until September to confirm if the rumor becomes a reality.

new AirPods Pro this year
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