Apple has been working on AirPods , with Optical Intelligence at the heart of the product. Initially, there were rumors that the product would be released this year, but it was ultimately delayed until sometime next year. However, now there is a new possibility that we could see the first version of AirPods with cameras later this year.
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The idea of AirPods with cameras is not just a technological innovation, but a strategic move by Apple to integrate Optical Intelligence into everyday devices. Optical Intelligence, which includes object and face recognition, could offer new capabilities to users, such as the ability to take photos or videos with a simple head movement or even recognize objects and faces in real time.
When news of Apple's AirPods with cameras first started circulating, it was linked to one variant: the codename B798. This variant is still scheduled to launch in 2027 and is believed to be a more advanced version of the product. There is also a variant called B790, which could debut later this year. According to the Power On newsletter, Apple is working on AirPods with cameras under the codename B798, which was originally scheduled for release in 2026 before being pushed back to 2027. However, Apple is also developing another variant under the codename B790.
The B790 device appears to be more advanced, with references to the product already appearing in iOS 27, and it's on Apple's internal roadmap for a debut as early as this year. This isn't the first time we've heard about the B790 variant. Last month, developer Sam Henri Gold spotted references to it in iOS 27 beta 2.
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The technical details of the AirPods with cameras remain largely unknown, but previous reports have suggested they will have slightly larger stems than the AirPods Pro to accommodate the cameras and will feature LEDs for when data is being sent to the cloud. This means users will be able to know when their device is capturing data and sending it for processing or storage.
The implications for users and organizations are multiple. On the one hand, users will have a new dimension of interaction with their devices, while on the other hand, concerns about privacy and data security could increase. The ability to record video and audio from such a small and discreet device raises questions about privacy, as well as the potential for misuse of the technology.
For organizations, the integration of Visual Intelligence into AirPods can offer new opportunities for developing applications and services that leverage this technology. From facial recognition for security purposes to augmented reality, the possibilities are many and varied.
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Only time will tell what these devices will actually look like, but it’s very likely that we’ll see the first version of AirPods with cameras as early as September. It’s not yet clear what the differences between the B790 and B798 versions will be, nor is it clear whether either will make it to market. However, anticipation for their release is high as Apple continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technology.
