Source: Global Network

[Global Network Technology Comprehensive Report] On June 18, news emerged via CNET citing Bloomberg that Mark Gurman revealed Apple is gearing up for its largest product launch wave ever, slated for the end of 2027, featuring multiple new products. Among them, the highly anticipated AirPods with a built-in camera (internal codename B798) will officially debut as Apple's first AI-centric wearable device.

As reported, contrary to the general perception of 'camera headphones', the new AirPods equipped with a mini camera aren't meant for snapping pics or recording videos. Instead, they serve as environmental awareness sensors, capturing real-time visual data around the wearer and relaying it to Siri. With this feature, Siri will break free from traditional voice interaction limits, providing precise contextual feedback based on objects or scenes in front of the user. For instance, users just need to gaze at the ingredients on the table to directly ask Siri for cooking tips. This functionality is in line with Apple's existing 'Visual Intelligence' tech and is expected to be further enhanced in the camera app and Siri mode in iOS 27.

In terms of design, the overall look of the new AirPods is expected to remain highly similar to the existing AirPods Pro lineup. The main difference is that the earphone stem will embed a camera module. In response to privacy and security concerns that the public is highly focused on, Apple has specially designed a visual status indication system: when the camera is turned on and begins transmitting environmental data to the cloud, the indicator light on the outside of the earbuds will light up in tandem, clearly letting people nearby know the device is in a data-collection state. This approach seeks a balance between technological innovation and privacy protection.

It is understood that the camera-enabled AirPods were originally planned to be released in 2026. However, due to development challenges Apple faces with Apple Intelligence and the Siri AI software layer, as well as the need for more time to optimize visual AI models capable of recognizing surrounding objects, the release timeline has been pushed back to 2027.

Foreign media reports that, in addition to AI headphones, Apple’s new product lineup by the end of 2027 will also include a second-generation foldable iPhone. The release of the second-gen foldable-screen model also indicates that Apple is officially developing the foldable-screen market at a pace of annual iterations. In parallel, Apple is also pushing forward its smart glasses project, which could appear as early as the end of 2027; if progress goes smoothly, it will, together with the camera-equipped AirPods, help build an Apple wearable AI ecosystem covering both hearing and vision. (Qingyun)