You'll need to wait until 2027 for the AirPods with integrated cameras that were leaked.

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      Even though an unintentional video leak emerged related to macOS, Apple’s AI-driven earbuds are still set for release in 2027.

      Aaron / X

      Apple may have unintentionally provided an early glimpse of its most unusual AirPods yet, but the timeline for their release remains unchanged. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s camera-equipped AI AirPods are on track for a 2027 launch, despite a developer version of macOS revealing a video showcasing the earbuds in use.

      The leak created the impression that the product is closer than it actually is.

      The leaked footage surfaced earlier this week during a macOS update and depicted the upcoming AirPods functioning with Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature. This technology leverages the cameras on the earbuds to comprehend the wearer’s surroundings, relaying that visual information to Siri and other AI functionalities. This leak naturally sparked speculation that Apple might announce the earbuds at its forthcoming September event.

      However, Gurman clarifies that the product is still not part of Apple’s 2026 release timeline, with supply chain and software complications having already delayed it from its initial 2026 target to 2027. Reports indicate that Apple staff began advanced testing earlier this year before these issues arose.

      While they include cameras, they aren’t traditional “camera” cameras.

      One intriguing aspect is that the small cameras are not expected to operate like standard cameras. Gurman’s sources indicate that they will utilize low-resolution sensors aimed at scanning the environment rather than capturing conventional photos or videos. The goal is to provide Siri and Apple’s AI features with an additional means to comprehend what the user observes.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      This could significantly enhance the utility of the AirPods as an AI wearable, but it also brings up notable privacy concerns. The prospect of earbuds silently observing the environment has raised alarm online, especially regarding the potential for capturing images of others without consent. Apple is reportedly aware of these issues, particularly following the privacy debate that arose around Meta’s camera-equipped smart glasses.

      Additionally, it has been reported that Apple has developed two variations of its camera-equipped AirPods. The leaked video shows the B790 model based on the AirPods Pro 3, while another version, B798, is a next-generation AirPods Pro equipped with cameras and AI capabilities. If Apple sticks to its current strategy, the earbuds are expected to debut in 2027 alongside a robust lineup that may feature its first smart glasses, a camera-integrated wearable pendant, a foldable iPhone, and an AI-oriented smart home display.

      Thus, while the leaked video confirms the existence of the camera AirPods, don’t anticipate their arrival anytime soon: 2027 is still projected as the year when Apple’s earbuds will gain vision.

      Varun is an accomplished technology journalist and editor with over eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work encompasses…

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