Apple Camera AirPods Delayed to 2027: Which AirPods Should You Buy This Fall?
Apple's most anticipated AirPods upgrade just got pushed back a full year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed this week that camera-equipped AirPods — widely expected as "AirPods Ultra" — won't launch until September 2027. Meanwhile, two new AirPods 5 models have surfaced in macOS Tahoe 26.7 code, pointing to a September 2026 announcement. Here's what this all means for your next earbud purchase.
Camera AirPods
Delayed to September 2027. Siri AI and supply chain issues.
AirPods 5
Two models found in macOS code. Expected September 9 event.
Best Buy Now
AirPods Pro 3 at $190 (back-to-school sale ends Aug 27).
Why Were Camera AirPods Delayed to 2027?
The camera AirPods — internally codenamed B798 — were originally on Apple's 2026 roadmap. Two specific challenges forced the delay:
- Siri AI isn't ready: The revamped generative-AI-powered Siri that Apple previewed at WWDC 2026 isn't yet capable of handling real-time visual processing from earbud cameras. Camera AirPods need Siri to identify objects, read text, and describe surroundings — all requiring on-device and cloud AI processing that's still in development
- Supply chain complexity: Miniaturizing low-resolution infrared cameras into an earbud form factor at mass-production scale has proven harder than anticipated. The cameras won't capture photos or video — they're purpose-built for Visual Intelligence features like identifying landmarks and reading labels
A leaked demo video found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 in mid-August — showing a man using AirPods cameras to identify a book title — briefly suggested an imminent launch. But Gurman clarified that the video was prepared for internal use and does not reflect the current release timeline.
Separately, a minor AirPods Pro update (B790) was also pulled from the 2026 schedule, leaving the existing AirPods Pro 3 as Apple's flagship earbuds through at least spring 2027.
What Are the AirPods 5 Coming in September?
While camera AirPods are delayed, Apple's base AirPods line is getting an overdue refresh. Two models codenamed B868M and B868E were discovered in macOS Tahoe 26.7, following Apple's established naming pattern for standard AirPods.
- AirPods 5 (base): No ANC, open-ear design. The standard AirPods haven't been updated since September 2024 — the longest gap in AirPods history
- AirPods 5 with ANC: Mid-tier model with noise cancellation, succeeding the AirPods 4 ANC at $179
Both models are expected to be announced at Apple's September 9 event. These are traditional earbuds without cameras — positioned below the AirPods Pro line in Apple's lineup.
Which AirPods Should You Buy Right Now?
Here's the complete AirPods lineup for fall 2026 and our recommendation for each:
AirPods Pro 3 — Best Overall (Buy Now)
Our top pick. The AirPods Pro 3 are the best wireless earbuds you can buy, period. With camera AirPods pushed to 2027, these will remain Apple's flagship earbuds for at least another year. The back-to-school sale has them at $190 (reg. $249) through August 27 — grab them now.
AirPods 4 / AirPods 4 ANC — Wait for September
Both models will likely be replaced by AirPods 5 at the September 9 event. If you need base-model AirPods now, the AirPods 4 at $123 on Amazon is a good deal. But waiting two weeks gets you either a newer model or even deeper discounts on the current generation.
AirPods Max 2 — Buy If You Need Over-Ear
No replacement is expected before 2027. The AirPods Max 2 at $449 ($100 off during back-to-school) is safe to buy. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the cross-platform alternative.
Camera AirPods / AirPods Ultra — Don't Wait
With a September 2027 launch, there's no reason to hold off on a purchase today. The camera AirPods are 13+ months away, and the current AirPods Pro 3 will remain excellent throughout that period.
What About Non-Apple Alternatives?
If you're not locked into the Apple ecosystem, several excellent alternatives are available right now:
- Sony WF-1000XM6 at $249: Best cross-platform earbuds with industry-leading ANC
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro at $140: Best value for Samsung users
- Bose QC Ultra Earbuds at $153: Best comfort and spatial audio
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 at $170: Best for Pixel and Android users
Browse the full comparison in our wireless earbuds guide and track live prices on our comparison page.
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AirPods Buying Guide FAQ
Common questions about buying AirPods in fall 2026
Quick answers on camera AirPods, AirPods 5, and which model to buy now.
When will Apple camera AirPods launch?
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports camera-equipped AirPods (internally codenamed B798) are now targeting September 2027, launching alongside the 20th anniversary iPhone. They were originally expected in late 2026 but were delayed due to Siri AI integration challenges and supply chain issues with miniaturized cameras.
What are the AirPods 5 and when do they come out?
Two unreleased AirPods models (B868M and B868E) were found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 code, corresponding to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with ANC. They're expected to launch at Apple's September 9, 2026 event. These are traditional earbuds without cameras, positioned below the AirPods Pro line.
Should I buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait for AirPods Pro 4?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now, especially at the current $190 back-to-school price. The camera-equipped upgrade (sometimes called AirPods Ultra or AirPods Pro 4) isn't coming until 2027. The AirPods Pro 3 will remain Apple's best earbuds through at least spring 2027.
What will AirPods with cameras do?
Based on a leaked demo video found in macOS Tahoe 26.7, camera AirPods will enable Visual Intelligence hands-free — identifying objects, reading text, and recognizing landmarks through low-resolution infrared cameras. They won't capture photos or video. The feature mirrors iPhone's Visual Intelligence but works without pulling out your phone.
Are AirPods 4 still worth buying in 2026?
AirPods 4 are good earbuds but will likely be replaced by AirPods 5 at Apple's September 9 event. If you need base-model AirPods now, buy the AirPods 4 at the discounted $123 price on Amazon. If you can wait two weeks, hold for the AirPods 5 announcement — AirPods 4 prices will drop further post-launch.