Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Leaked Video Shows Apple's Camera-Equipped AirPods With Visual Intelligence
Apple makes earbuds called AirPods that people wear in their ears.
A video hidden inside Apple's new software shows a pair of AirPods with tiny cameras.
In the video, a man holds up a book so the cameras can help Siri read the title.
Siri says things you see can be saved for later.
The cameras are not for taking pictures like a phone; they help the AirPods understand what is around the wearer.
The software even warns people to keep hair away from the AirPods so the sensors work well.
Apple has not officially announced these AirPods yet, but they might come out later in 2026.
Some people like the helpful memory features, while others worry about privacy.
The new earbuds could be shown at Apple's September event.
A leaked video hidden in Apple's macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate shows camera-equipped AirPods working with Siri's Visual Intelligence.
The clip, first spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris and shared on X, shows a man holding up a book so the AirPods camera can see its title.
The cameras are designed as visual sensors for AI-powered contextual insights, not for taking conventional photos or videos.
Code references product identifier B790, described as camera-equipped AirPods expected later in 2026, with B798 reportedly in development for 2027.
Apple has not confirmed the product, which is expected to launch at its September event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone, amid privacy concerns.
- Who
- Apple; the leaked video was first spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported plans for the B790 launch.
- What
- A leaked video shows unreleased camera-equipped AirPods using Visual Intelligence so Siri can answer questions about the wearer's surroundings and save information.
- When
- The video was hidden in Apple's macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate; the device is expected later in 2026, possibly at Apple's September event.
- Where
- The clip was found inside Apple's macOS software and shared widely on X (formerly Twitter).
- Why
- To demonstrate Visual Intelligence, which lets Siri recognize things in the environment and save them for later.
Privacy Advocates
AI Feature Enthusiasts
Privacy vs. AI memory features
Privacy Advocates
Some users raised privacy concerns, drawing comparisons to Meta's smart glasses and questioning recording risks.
AI Feature Enthusiasts
Some users see value in AI-powered memory features that let Siri save information from the wearer's surroundings.
- Product codename
- B790
- Expected availability
- Later in 2026, possibly at Apple's September event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone
- Key feature
- Visual Intelligence with Siri
- Camera purpose
- Visual sensors for contextual insights, not conventional photography
- Next version
- B798, reportedly in development for 2027
- Leak source
- macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate
- First spotted by
- Aaron Perris (MacRumors)
- Official status
- Not announced or confirmed by Apple
Sources
Apple’s next AirPods could have cameras instead of just microphones: What we know
New AirPods To Come With Visual Intelligence? Leaked Video Shows Apple's Camera-Equipped Earbuds in Action
Leak reveals AirPods with cameras; could launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro