Apple accidentally leaked a demo video of camera-equipped AirPods within the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate on August 18, 2026. While the footage confirms the development of Visual Intelligence
features, Bloomberg reports the hardware is delayed until 2027 due to supply chain and software challenges.
The leak arrived as a 13-second clip hidden in Apple’s desktop software, first spotted by MacRumors. It depicts a man holding a book in front of his earbuds, while a voiceover explains that the world becomes savable through Visual Intelligence. The clip suggests a hands-free future where users can ask Siri to save information about objects in their environment without needing to retrieve an iPhone.
B790 and B798: The Dual-Track Development
Apple is not betting on a single design. Internal software references reveal at least two distinct projects: one codenamed B790 and another B798. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the B790 model—the one featured in the leaked video—is essentially a version of the AirPods Pro 3 with integrated cameras. This specific model was reportedly on the 2026 roadmap until recently, but Apple has since pivoted.
The B798 model represents a new generation of AirPods Pro. While the B790 is no longer planned for a 2026 release, the B798 is the version expected to launch in 2027. This split suggests Apple is testing different hardware approaches to determine how to best integrate visual sensors into a form factor traditionally reserved for audio.
Visual Intelligence and the “Eyes” of Siri
The cameras are not designed for traditional photography. Sources indicate the devices will use low-resolution sensors to scan the environment, feeding visual data to Siri AI rather than allowing users to snap photos or record video. This distinction is a calculated move to avoid the privacy backlash associated with other head-mounted wearables.
The integration introduces a new set of user interactions and technical hurdles.
The “Pervert Glasses” Privacy Debate
Apple is entering a volatile market. The rise of smart glasses has already sparked a heated debate, with some critics labeling the tech pervert glasses
due to the potential for inconspicuous filming without consent. By restricting the AirPods’ cameras to low-resolution environmental scanning, Apple is attempting to distance itself from this reputation.
Public reaction to the leak has been sharply divided.
Market Momentum for Smart Hearables
The push toward camera-equipped buds aligns with a broader shift in how consumers interact with AI.
The 2027 Release Timeline
Despite the presence of the demo video in the macOS 26.7 RC, the hardware is not imminent. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that supply chain and software snags have pushed the launch date. While there was speculation that the device might appear alongside the iPhone 18 series this September, it is now expected to arrive in fall 2027.
This delay puts the camera-equipped AirPods on a trajectory to launch alongside the 20th-anniversary iPhone. The macOS leak also hinted at a wider ecosystem of unreleased hardware, including the iPhone Ultra foldable, a new Home Hub display, and updated versions of the HomePod mini and iPad mini.
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