Apple is developing camera-equipped AirPods, codenamed B790, designed to integrate with a new Visual Intelligence system. Evidence found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate confirms the earbuds will use cameras to provide contextual information to Siri. While some reports have suggested a 2027 launch, other projections indicate the earbuds could debut as early as this September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra.
Evidence of B790 in macOS Tahoe 26.7
Technical evidence for the long-rumored device appeared within the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate. The software includes a short demonstration video featuring a man wearing AirPods who asks Siri to remember a book he is looking at. In the clip, the user holds the book toward the headset, prompting the system to log the object’s details. Aaron Perris has also published the same video on X.
The system voiceover explicitly describes the feature’s utility: With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.
Code within the release candidate also references an “image streamand provides instructions for users to ensure the device functions correctly. If hair covers the AirPods, the system triggers an alert:
To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered.”
Visual Intelligence vs. Traditional Recording
The cameras embedded in the AirPods are intended to give Siri “eyes” to understand the wearer’s surroundings in real time. According to industry reports, these cameras are not designed for taking photos or recording video; rather, they are expected to act as sensors that feed information to the Visual Intelligence system. This allows Siri to answer questions about the wearer’s environment and log information.
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In the demo video, the cameras themselves are not visible, and the earbuds look very similar to the current AirPods Pro, with the only noticeable difference being a stem that appears somewhat thicker. This design approach reflects a shift from Apple’s earlier exploration of wearable tech. While Apple’s ‘Vision Products Group’ previously concentrated on the Vision Pro and standalone glasses, the company has also been exploring gesture support for AirPods since at least October.
Development Timeline and Market Expectations
The B790 codename was previously mentioned by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has tracked Apple’s plans for the AirPods Pro line, including release dates, features, and design. While some reports suggest Apple is lining up camera-equipped earbuds for a late-2027 launch alongside a 20th-anniversary iPhone, Gurman has also suggested the AirPods could launch as soon as September. These earbuds are reportedly separate from another camera-equipped model mentioned in other Bloomberg reports.
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Apple’s approach to audio accessories has historically differed from its yearly iPhone and iPad upgrades. The AirPods Pro debuted in 2019 and did not receive meaningful changes until 2022. The 2025 arrival of the AirPods Pro 3 introduced heart rate sensing capabilities and improved active noise cancellation. The current camera-equipped project represents a transition from experimentation to active development.
Competitive Landscape in Wearable Tech
Apple’s move into camera-equipped headsets enters a market already featuring products like the MusicCam Pro. The MusicCam Pro is a wearable POV camera in the form of a headset, built for activities like cycling, running, hiking, and watersports. The product’s Kickstarter campaign successfully secured US$164,017 in pledges from 543 backers. Unlike the rumored Apple device, the MusicCam Pro is marketed for 4K video capture, live streaming, and communication tools.
As Apple continues to develop its wearable hardware, it remains focused on the integration of AI-powered features. Whether the B790 AirPods are unveiled at the upcoming iPhone-centric event or remain in development for a later date, the project highlights Apple’s interest in creating wearables that can interpret the user’s environment to provide proactive assistance.
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