Spotted by developer Sam Henri Gold, iOS 27 beta 2 includes references to an upcoming Apple product codenamed B790, widely believed to be the rumored AirPods with cameras. This discovery sheds new light on Apple's ambitions to integrate visual intelligence directly into wearable audio devices, potentially transforming how users interact with their environment without needing to pull out an iPhone.
Discovery in iOS 27 Beta 2
The code in question lies within a system prompt file related to Apple's machine learning assets. Specifically, a JSON file contains a description of a device that uses "two images from cameras on either side of user's head" to provide contextual information. This aligns perfectly with long-standing rumors that Apple is developing AirPods with built-in cameras, likely embedded in the earphone stems or pods themselves. The codename B790 differs from earlier reports which mentioned B798, but such discrepancies are common across different build versions and development stages.
Sam Henri Gold, known for finding hidden software features, initially speculated the code might be for Apple's rumored augmented reality glasses. However, given the specific mention of cameras positioned on both sides of the head, a more plausible candidate is the AirPods Pro 3 variant with integrated cameras. These cameras would not be used for photography but rather to capture visual information for AI processing, similar to how the iPhone's Visual Intelligence works.
What Are AirPods with Cameras?
Apple has long been exploring ways to extend its computational photography and AI capabilities beyond the iPhone. The concept of AirPods with cameras was first reported by Bloomberg in 2024, suggesting Apple was working on a new product that would allow wearers to interact with their surroundings using voice commands and visual context. The idea is simple: instead of holding up your phone to identify an object, translate text, or get directions, the AirPods would do it automatically via a low-resolution camera and on-device processing.
The cameras would likely be low-resolution sensors similar to those found in proximity sensors or the lidar in iPhones, optimized for AI inference rather than image quality. They would feed data to the same neural engine that powers features like Live Text, Look Up, and Siri intelligence. This would enable hands-free queries such as "What kind of flower is that?" or "Translate this sign" without any physical interaction—a truly seamless approach to augmented reality.
Visual Intelligence and Siri Integration
The system prompt found in iOS 27 beta 2 specifically mentions "Visual Intelligence," a term Apple has used in relation to its broader AI strategy. The integration would extend Siri's capabilities beyond voice-only commands. For instance, if you're in a grocery store, you could ask "Is this milk organic?" and Siri would use the camera to read the label and respond. This would make AirPods a hands-free portal to the web and contextual data, much like the current Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16 and later models, but without needing to hold the device.
The processing would need to happen almost entirely on the AirPods themselves to avoid battery drain and latency. This suggests Apple is designing custom chips for the AirPods that can run AI models locally, similar to the H2 chip's capabilities for audio processing but expanded for vision. The H3 or a new W-series chip may be necessary to handle computer vision tasks while maintaining the small form factor and long battery life users expect.
Development Timeline and Delays
Initially, AirPods with cameras were rumored for a launch in 2025 or early 2026. However, reports indicate software challenges and the complexity of miniaturizing the camera system caused delays. The current expectation is that Apple will debut these new AirPods in the fall of 2027, alongside the 20th anniversary iPhone (likely iPhone 20 or iPhone 20 Pro). This timeline gives Apple more time to iterate on the design, finalize the AI features, and integrate the necessary hardware changes into iOS and the wider ecosystem.
The delay also aligns with Apple's typical product cycle: major audio updates often coincide with significant iPhone launches. For example, AirPods Pro 2 arrived alongside the iPhone 14 series, and the third-generation AirPods were introduced with the iPhone 13. A combined launch event for the anniversary iPhone and new AirPods would create a powerful narrative about the next decade of Apple's innovation.
Potential Impact on Wearables Market
If Apple succeeds in bringing cameras to AirPods, it could redefine the wearable category. Currently, smart glasses like Meta Ray-Ban and Google Glass offer similar functionality but with a larger form factor and social visibility. AirPods are already ubiquitous and socially accepted in most settings. Adding cameras may raise privacy concerns, but Apple is likely to implement visual indicators (e.g., an LED light) and clear system prompts to alert others when the camera is active. The company's strong stance on privacy could be a differentiator compared to competitors.
Furthermore, the integration with the entire Apple ecosystem—Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac—would create a seamless cross-device experience. For instance, taking a photo with your Watch could trigger a description through the AirPods, or you could receive turn-by-turn directions visually overlaid in your mind via audio cues. The possibilities are vast, and the hardware would serve as a foundation for future AR features that Apple may be developing for eventual lightweight glasses.
Ultimately, the discovery in iOS 27 beta 2 confirms that Apple is actively testing the software framework for these innovative AirPods. While the hardware may still be a year away, the groundwork is being laid. Users who enjoy hands-free interactions and rely on VoiceOver or accessibility features could especially benefit from such a device. The next step is to see if Apple can overcome the engineering hurdles and deliver a product that meets its own high standards for both functionality and design.
Source: 9to5Mac News