All-new AirPods Pro leak shows a major new feature powered by cameras on the earbuds

Apple could be planning to add cameras to its next AirPods. Yes, in a world-first for Bluetooth earbuds, these diddy onboard cameras could enable new Artificial Intelligence (AI) features by understanding what's happening in the world around you. For example, the next-generation Siri coming in a future software update could identify landmarks, translate signs and menus in real time, describe objects for those with visual impairment, add information from real-world posters or books into calendar invites and text messages — without the need to pull out your iPhone. The addition of the cameras could make interactions feel more natural and hands-free. A leaked video spotted by the team at MacRumors seemingly shows off the new earbuds using Apple's Visual Intelligence functionality. This is an AI feature that lets your iPhone understand what you're looking at either via the viewfinder or what's displayed on-screen. Available on millions of iPhones now, you can use it to identify objects and places, read and summarise text, translate languages, or search for more information about something in front of you. It's similar to giving your iPhone the ability to “see” and understand the world around you. The video doesn't show the cameras on the new-look AirPods Pro, but it demonstrates Visual Intelligence without showing someone relying on the viewfinder on their iPhone. Instead, the person in the clip is wearing AirPods and asks the AI about real-world items, while keeping their hands free the entire time, hinting at the long-rumoured cameras on the AirPods being behind this next-generation interaction. Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence. This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu — Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026 However, sources claim these 'buds would not be able to take photos or videos, like the controversial Meta Ray-Ban glasses . These wearables have come under fire for unknowingly recording others, with experts saying cameras on glasses are "really irresponsible." These AirPods could be announced as soon as next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman . Despite this distinction, some people don't seem to be convinced about the rumour of cameras being fitted to the next iteration of the AirPods. One user wrote on Reddit: "Add this to the constantly growing list of 'Things consumers didn't ask for' just like all the extra 'tech' car companies are building with nowadays." Comment by u/NoBurnInBirney_SG from discussion in technology Another user said: "People will end up intentionally and unintentionally wearing active cameras into public restrooms, along other things. This is awful. "Tech CEOs need to pull their heads out of their asses and stop trying to manufacture a legacy as a 'revolutionary.' This state of the economy in which executives are incentivized to boost stock value over all else is toxic in so many ways. How about just actually providing products and services that people want and are willing to pay for?" Comment by u/NoBurnInBirney_SG from discussion in technology Comment by u/NoBurnInBirney_SG from discussion in technology Comment by u/pdfu from discussion in apple The Californian tech firm has been rumoured to be developing camera-equipped earbuds for quite some time, with the whispers previously suggesting they wouldn't make an appearance until 2027. But it turns out the company has also been working on a second variant codenamed B790. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Latest Windows 11 update is causing PCs to crash while playing games Microsoft in race against time with scammers to fix 2 critical flaws in Windows EE, Three, and O2 get a new mobile network rival Google unveils trio of new Pixel 11 phones with faster chips, better cameras US bans robot vacuums from Dyson, iRobot, and more — could UK be next? The Power On newsletter from Bloomberg has said: "For years, Apple has been working on the camera AirPods under the code name B798. This device was initially scheduled for release in 2026 before being postponed until 2027, I’ve reported. But Apple has also been developing another version under the code name B790 (Apple famously creates competing versions of the same product internally). "This B790 device also appears to be further along: References to the product have already shown up inside iOS 27 code, and it’s been on Apple’s internal road map for a debut as early as this year." When it comes to design, these new AirPods are also expected to look a bit different from what we're used to seeing. Rumours suggest the stems will be slightly longer than those on the current AirPods Pro, possibly to allow extra space for the camera hardware. There's also said to be a small LED light that switches on whenever the earbuds are sending data up to the cloud, giving you a visual cue about what's happening. Timing-wise, a September debut would lineup with Apple's expected iPhone launch event, rumoured for mid-September. However, there's still plenty we don't know. It's unclear how the codenamed AirPods will differ from one another, beyond the suggestion that the B798 is the more advanced of the pair. It's also uncertain whether both versions will ever make it into your hands — Apple is famous for developing products internally that never see the light of day. For now, Apple hasn't officially confirmed any of these plans, so everything remains based on industry reports. 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