Apple to launch new AirPods in 2026, camera version delayed

Apple is expected to release new AirPods later this year, though a more radical model featuring built-in cameras has reportedly been delayed until 2027, according to industry reports. The upcoming 2026 earbuds, which may launch alongside new iPhones this fall, are said to be a more conventional update, while the camera-equipped version continues development for a future release.

The camera-enabled AirPods, a project long under development, are designed to support advanced AI features by allowing a digital assistant to see the user's surroundings. This hardware is part of a broader push by Apple into artificial intelligence. However, the flagship model, internally codenamed B798, is now slated for a 2027 debut after initially being targeted for 2026.

Instead, attention has shifted to another model under the codename B790. Reports indicate this version is further along in development, with references appearing in early code for iOS 27 and on Apple's internal roadmap for a potential launch as early as this year. It is widely expected that the B790 model will not include cameras and will instead represent an enhancement of the current AirPods design, focusing on improvements such as...