Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods leaked in macOS Tahoe

Apple accidentally revealed its upcoming camera-equipped AirPods through a hidden video in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta. These earbuds, designed to power its Visual Intelligence AI, could analyze the user’s surroundings without recording video or taking photos.

A leak that speaks volumes

The video, spotted in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate, shows a user wearing AirPods similar to the current AirPods Pro, with slightly thicker stems. A voice, resembling Siri’s, explains: “With Visual Intelligence, your world can be saved. See something you like? Just ask me to keep it for later.”

The macOS code reveals a device under the codename B790, with references to an “image stream” coming from the left earbud. Each earbud would have its own camera, capturing low-resolution RGB images (up to 1 megapixel). The images are synchronized by Visual Intelligence, Apple’s AI, to analyze the immediate environment.

How it works and technical limits

The cameras do not record video: they capture periodic images, in active mode (640×640 pixels, upscaled to 1024×1024) or passive mode (320×320 or 512×512 pixels). The system discards blurry or obstructed images, and a light indicator signals when the cameras are active. Apple has even included a warning message if the earbuds are covered.

The sensors, referred to as “Kino Sensor” in the code, are designed to scan the environment and provide context to Siri and AI tools. They do not allow taking photos or videos for personal use.

Timeline and uncertainties

The video’s presence in macOS Tahoe 26.7 suggests an advanced product, but sources disagree on the release date. Some mention a possible launch as early as September 2026, during the iPhone 18 event. Others, like Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), expect 2027, with two versions in development (B790 and B798).

Apple has not confirmed the existence of these AirPods, but the AccessorySensorMgrd framework in macOS Tahoe leaves little doubt about their development.

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Privacy concerns

Wearing cameras near the face raises questions. Apple appears to have anticipated these concerns: the light indicator and the resolution limit (1 megapixel max) aim to reassure users. It remains to be seen how users will receive this innovation.

“With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to keep it for later.” — Siri’s voice, demo videoTranslated from French

These camera-equipped AirPods fit into Apple’s strategy to integrate AI into its accessories. Their real utility — remembering a book, identifying an object — will need to convince users despite technical limits and ethical concerns. The answer may come as early as the September keynote.