Apple Camera AirPods Officially Delayed to 2027 Despite Leaked Demo Video in macOS Tahoe

Apple{"'"}s camera-equipped AirPods will not launch until 2027, Bloomberg{"'"}s Mark Gurman confirmed this week, ending weeks of speculation fueled by a leaked demo video found inside macOS Tahoe 26.7.

The Video That Started the Confusion

In mid-August, developers discovered a short demo video embedded in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate showing a man holding up a book so that cameras built into AirPods could identify the title. The video demonstrated Visual Intelligence — the same feature that runs on iPhone cameras — working hands-free through AirPods. Many interpreted this as proof of an imminent September launch.

Why They{"'"}re Delayed

Gurman reports two factors behind the delay:

• Siri AI integration: Apple{"'"}s revamped Siri, powered by generative AI, isn{"'"}t ready to handle the real-time visual processing that camera AirPods require
• Supply chain challenges: Miniaturizing low-resolution infrared cameras into an earbud form factor at scale has proven more difficult than expected

Two internal models were in development: the B790 (a minor AirPods Pro update) and the B798 (camera-equipped "AirPods Ultra"). The B790 was on the 2026 roadmap until recently but has also been pulled. The camera-equipped B798 is now targeting September 2027 alongside the 20th anniversary iPhone.

What to Buy Now

With camera AirPods at least 13 months away, the AirPods Pro 3 at $199 remain the best earbuds to buy right now. Apple{"'"}s back-to-school sale has them at $190 through August 27. The Sony WF-1000XM6 at $249 is the top cross-platform alternative. See all options in our earbuds guide.