Apple’s camera-enabled AirPods appear in macOS beta demonstration
A macOS beta video shows a prototype of AirPods with built-in cameras that can capture visual data for Apple’s AI features, suggesting a possible product launch later this year.
Apple’s upcoming AirPods model that includes a camera was referenced in a macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta, which contains a demonstration video of the device working with the company’s Visual Intelligence feature. The clip shows a user holding a book while the AirPods record low-resolution images of the cover, enabling the wearer to ask Siri contextual questions about the object.
The prototype appears to be designed primarily for integration with Apple Intelligence rather than for traditional photo or video capture. Analysts note that the camera-equipped version is expected to be positioned within the AirPods Pro line rather than as a separate “AirPods Ultra” product.
Apple is slated to hold its annual iPhone launch event next month, where the company may reveal the new AirPods model alongside other rumored hardware such as smart glasses.