Code suggesting the arrival of camera-equipped AirPods found in the iOS 27 developer beta.

It has been revealed that the developer beta version of iOS 27 , which Apple plans to release around the fall of 2026, contains code related to the 'AirPods with a camera' that have been rumored to be under development.

Beta code hints at AirPods with cameras
https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/03/airpods-with-cameras-show-up-in-ios-27-beta-code

It was reported in July 2024 that Apple was developing a model of AirPods with a camera, and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who is well-versed in Apple's internal affairs, mentioned that 'AirPods with a low-resolution camera sensor' were being developed. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst also familiar with Apple's information, reported that the camera sensor to be installed in the AirPods is 'an IR (infrared) sensor used for Face ID in iPhones, which can detect changes in the surrounding environment.'

Apple is developing 'AirPods with camera sensors' and aims to mass-produce them by 2026 - GIGAZINE

The camera-equipped AirPods will be called 'AirPods Ultra,' and there are reports that the inclusion of an infrared camera will enable a variety of AI experiences by making full use of visual information.

'AirPods Ultra' are increasingly likely to be released in the second half of 2026 - GIGAZINE

Recent leaks had suggested that Apple had halted the development project for camera-equipped AirPods. However, it has now been revealed that Apple included code in the iOS 27 developer beta that indicates the existence of camera-equipped AirPods.

The code was discovered by programmer Sam Henri Gold, who published a screenshot of a code segment called a response template in the iOS 27 developer beta. The response template contains instructions for processing a specific type of image, specifically targeting only 'two images from cameras on either side of the user's head.'

/System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_UAF_IF_PlannerOverrides/purpose_auto/9aaa6a204118137235983cc3f1eecae8a125c550.asset/AssetData/PCC/system_prompt_metadata/system_prompt.json seems to hint at some smart glasses codenamed B790 pic.twitter.com/IEmbfleth4

— sam henri gold (@samhenrigold) July 3, 2026

Gold claims this description refers to camera-equipped AirPods that Apple is developing.

AppleInsider, an Apple-related media outlet, also pointed out that 'there is no doubt that this code is very likely to be for AirPods. In fact, AirPods Pro are expected to be updated, and it is thought that a camera will be installed in the stem of the earbuds and positioned to face forward of the wearer.' At the same time, it also noted that 'this raises privacy concerns about how Apple will inform users that the wearer of camera-equipped AirPods is taking pictures or recording videos,' expressing privacy concerns.

Furthermore, the report stated, 'It is almost certain that this code suggests AirPods Pro with a camera. This does not mean that AirPods Pro with a camera will be released soon, but it does support recent claims that these devices are in the advanced testing phase.'