Apple is reportedly postponing the launch of AirPods with built-in cameras by a year. The tech giant is expected to unveil these camera-equipped AirPods in the latter half of 2027, following enhancements to Siri’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and other AI features.
On Wednesday, international media outlets including Bloomberg and MacRumors reported that while Apple had initially planned to release the camera-equipped AirPods in 2026, the launch appears to have been delayed. This setback is likely due to the need to develop more sophisticated visual models capable of identifying surrounding objects.
After lagging in the AI race, Apple recently showcased an upgraded version of Siri at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Siri has evolved beyond simple voice command execution, transforming into an AI agent that can access user data and perform tasks across various Apple applications.
Moving forward, Apple’s AI strategy is expected to revolve around Siri. Consequently, this could impact the release timelines of various products Apple has been conceptualizing, such as smart glasses and desktop robots, as they will likely be influenced by the new Siri.
The camera-equipped AirPods are poised to be Apple’s debut wearable AI product. Rather than capturing photos or videos, the AirPods’ camera is expected to transmit information about the wearer’s environment to Siri.
MacRumors suggests that Siri will be able to identify and answer questions about objects in the wearer’s field of vision. The publication also hints at potential features like context-aware notifications and walking navigation assistance.
The design of the camera-equipped AirPods is anticipated to be similar to the AirPods Pro 3. The camera is likely to be integrated into the stem, with possible indicator lights that illuminate when data is being transmitted to Siri.
2027 marks two decades since the launch of the first iPhone. To commemorate this milestone, Apple is rumored to be planning the release of several new products, including the camera-equipped AirPods, smart glasses, and a foldable iPhone.
There’s also speculation that Apple might introduce a subscription fee for its next-generation Siri AI.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple could roll out a premium subscription plan dubbed Siri Premium. While the free version would offer basic AI functionalities, the paid tier is expected to provide advanced features leveraging cloud-based processing capabilities.