Apple Plans AirPods With Built-In Cameras and New Foldable iPhone for 2027

​Apple is preparing a significant hardware lineup for 2027, with a notable focus on wearable technology. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple aims to launch AirPods with built-in cameras in late 2027. These earbuds are expected to debut alongside a special anniversary iPhone and a second-generation foldable iPhone.

Key Highlights

• Apple plans to launch AirPods with built-in cameras in late 2027.
• Cameras will help Siri understand surroundings, not capture photos or videos.
• A second-generation foldable iPhone and anniversary iPhone are also in development.
• AirPods design will resemble AirPods Pro but with cameras in the stems.
• Apple is also developing smart glasses and expanding its AI-powered wearable ecosystem.

Camera-Equipped AirPods Details

The upcoming AirPods will feature cameras embedded in their stems. Unlike traditional cameras, these sensors will not capture photos or videos. Instead, they will gather visual information to help Siri understand the user's surroundings in real time.

Apple's goal is to make these AirPods the company's first wearable device centered on artificial intelligence. The cameras will provide Siri with context about what the wearer is viewing. This could enable Siri to answer questions about nearby objects, offer improved navigation guidance, and deliver contextual reminders based on the user's environment.

Apple already offers Visual Intelligence, a feature that analyzes images captured by users. The new AirPods are expected to expand on this by continuously interpreting the environment around the user. To address privacy concerns, the earbuds will include a visible indicator light that activates when data is sent for processing.

The design of the new AirPods will closely resemble the current AirPods Pro series. The main difference will be the addition of cameras in the stems. Earlier reports suggested a 2026 launch, but Apple has faced challenges with AI development. These issues have pushed the expected release to 2027.

Other Upcoming Apple Devices

​Apple is also developing a second-generation foldable iPhone. The company is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market before 2027, but the follow-up model indicates a long-term commitment to this category.

Another anticipated product is the 20th anniversary iPhone. According to Gurman, this device may feature a nearly edge-to-edge display with curved glass wrapping around the sides. The phone is expected to maintain screen sizes similar to current Pro models while introducing a more advanced design.

The new AirPods are reportedly being tested internally with iOS 28, even though iOS 27 is still in preparation for public release. Bloomberg notes that all AI-focused devices are being developed together, but the final launch schedule could change.

Apple's Broader AI Ambitions

Apple's interest in AI extends beyond AirPods. The company is reportedly working on smart glasses, which could launch as early as the end of next year. If released on schedule, these glasses and the camera-equipped AirPods may operate together within an AI-powered wearable ecosystem.