The new earbuds are expected to debut alongside the second generation of Apple’s foldable iPhone and a special iPhone model marking the device’s 20th anniversary.

The cameras are not intended for taking photos or recording videos from inside users’ ears. Instead, they are expected to function as AI sensors, providing Siri with visual information about the surrounding environment.

This would allow users to ask Siri questions related to what they are seeing. For example, the assistant could suggest dinner recipes based on ingredients visible in front of the user.

According to Bloomberg, the feature will likely leverage Apple’s Visual Intelligence technology, which is designed to analyze images and provide contextual information based on what a device’s camera detects.

Apple unveiled new Siri and Visual Intelligence capabilities during WWDC 2026 as part of iOS 27 and other operating system updates.

Features within the Apple Intelligence suite are expected to roll out this autumn, while a fully AI-powered Siri is scheduled to enter beta testing later this year.

Bloomberg reports that the camera-equipped AirPods project carries the codename B798. The product was originally planned for release in 2026 but was delayed due to challenges in Apple’s AI software development efforts.

The company also reportedly needs additional time to build computer vision models capable of accurately identifying objects and environments around users.

In terms of design, the new earbuds are expected to look similar to current AirPods Pro models, apart from the addition of cameras integrated into the stem.

Bloomberg also claims the device will feature an external indicator light to notify users when data is being transmitted to the cloud for processing.

Part of a broader AI hardware strategy

AI-powered AirPods represent only one component of Apple’s broader hardware ambitions.

Bloomberg reports that the company is also developing smart glasses that could arrive as early as late 2027, alongside a wearable pendant-style device equipped with a camera that can be worn around the neck or attached to clothing.

Apple is simultaneously preparing a new generation of iPhones. Bloomberg previously reported that the company’s first foldable iPhone could debut in 2026.

In addition, Apple is said to be working on a special 20th-anniversary iPhone featuring a nearly edge-to-edge display and curved glass wrapping around the sides of the device.

As with previous Apple projects, however, these timelines remain subject to change.

Du Lam