Apple's next AirPods could see the world around you
What's the story
Apple is gearing up to launch a new range of products, including camera-equipped AirPods and a second-generation foldable iPhone, by late 2027. The tech giant plans to release these devices alongside a special "20th anniversary" iPhone model. The upcoming releases are part of Apple's biggest product wave yet under the leadership of new CEO John Ternus, who will take over from September 1.
AI innovation
New AirPods with computer-vision cameras
The new AirPods, codenamed B798, will be Apple's first AI-focused wearable product. Unlike traditional cameras that capture photos and videos, these computer-vision cameras will act as sensors providing visual context to Siri. This way, users can ask Siri about objects or their surroundings. The device's launch was delayed from 2026 to 2027 due to Apple's ongoing challenges with artificial intelligence software and the development of visual AI models for object recognition.
Design details
How will the new AirPods look?
The new AirPods will look similar to the existing AirPods Pro, but with the addition of cameras in their stems. External lights will also be added to show when data is being uploaded from the earbuds to the cloud for processing. Apple has also considered using these cameras for contextual reminders and improved navigation during turn-by-turn walking directions.
Market expansion
Foldable iPhone and anniversary model
Apple's foray into the foldable phone market will begin in September with its first model. A second-generation version, codenamed V78, is also in the works and is expected to launch a year later. This strategy shows that Apple sees foldables as an important category worth annual updates. The company is also working on an iPhone celebrating two decades of the device's history for late next year's release.
Design features
Special iPhones with edge-to-edge display and curved glass wrapping
The anniversary models, codenamed V73 and V74, will succeed this year's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. They will sport a nearly edge-to-edge display with curved glass wrapping around the sides. Both the anniversary and second-generation foldable models will be powered by a 2nm A21 chip internally dubbed Naxos. Apple is also working on a successor to the standard iPhone 18, which will run on a base A21 chip known as Nimos.