Apple May Debut AirPods with Camera Alongside iPhone 18 Pro

Apple may debut AirPods with a camera alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, according to recent reports. The project, known internally by the code name B798, was initially planned for a 2026 release but was reportedly pushed back to 2027. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted in his Power On newsletter that another version, codenamed B790, has made more advanced progress. This contradicts earlier projections from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who stated in 2024 that the AirPods with camera project had been suspended, specifically referencing the more complex B798 model. If the revised schedule holds, the new AirPods could launch alongside the latest iPhone range, following Apple’s pattern of pairing major audio product updates with its autumn smartphone releases. The camera technology is not intended for taking standard photos or videos. Instead, it is expected to function as a low-resolution visual sensor, providing Siri with a better understanding of the user’s surroundings. To address privacy concerns, the device may feature a small LED indicator that illuminates when the camera is active, similar to solutions found in current smart glasses on the market.