Apple Aims to Launch Camera-Equipped AirPods, Second-Gen Foldable iPhone and 20th-Anniversary iPhone in Late 2027

Apple Inc. plans to introduce three flagship products in the final quarter of 2027: earbuds with built-in cameras (code-named B798), a second-generation foldable iPhone (code-named V78), and two “20th-anniversary” iPhone models (code-names V73 and V74). The earbuds are intended to supply visual context to Siri, while the foldable and anniversary phones will run on Apple’s upcoming 2-nanometer A21 chip, internally called Naxos.

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Since the 2026 WWDC, Apple has emphasized “Visual Intelligence,” integrating computer-vision capabilities into Siri and iOS 27. The company’s AI strategy now extends to hardware, with the camera-AirPods representing its first AI-focused wearable. Parallel efforts include smart-glasses (code-named N50) and a camera-enabled pendant, all aimed at embedding visual AI across the ecosystem.

AirPods with cameras could arrive in 2027 as Apple expands its AI ambitions

• 2025-2026: Original target for camera-AirPods set for 2026; delayed due to AI-software challenges.

Apple's camera-equipped AirPods could launch alongside the foldable iPhone

• Sept 2026: Expected launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Bloomberg

• Fall 2026: iOS 27 beta released; iOS 28 (code-named Bell) under internal testing for 2027 devices.

AppleInsider

• Late 2027: Planned release of camera-AirPods, second-gen foldable iPhone, and 20th-anniversary iPhone models.

Apple Looks Beyond the iPhone Upgrade Cycle

• Chips: Standard iPhone 18 (2026) will use base A20 (“Banda”). Pro models use A20 Pro (“Borneo”). 2027 flagship devices will shift to 2 nm A21 (“Naxos”). Apple aims for a 1.4 nm A22 Pro in 2028, primarily with TSMC and possibly Intel.

Bloomberg

• Product Codes: AirPods B798, foldable V78, anniversary V73/V74, AI-pendant (unnamed).

TechSpot

• Sensors: AirPods will house forward-facing cameras in the stems and external LEDs to signal cloud transmission.

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Embedding visual AI in a high-volume accessory could broaden Apple’s wearables revenue and differentiate its ecosystem from competitors focused on smart glasses. The foldable line signals a commitment to a new premium category, potentially stabilizing annual revenue streams. However, success hinges on the maturity of Apple’s visual-recognition models and consumer acceptance of camera-enabled earbuds.

Apple plans one of its most ambitious product waves ever for 2027

Apple’s spokesperson declined to comment on the roadmap. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman noted, “The goal is to let users ask Siri questions about objects and the surrounding environment.” Apple’s internal briefings describe the earbuds as “Apple’s first AI-focused wearable product.”

Report: Apple is Targeting Fall 2027 Release for its First AirPods With Cameras

Privacy advocates warn that ear-mounted cameras could capture by-standers without clear consent, despite LED indicators. Analysts also cite battery-life concerns: continuous visual processing and cloud uploads may strain the AirPods’ limited power budget.

TechSpot

Sources differ on the certainty of the launch window: some describe the late-2027 date as “targeted,” while others label it “fluid” and subject to change. No official confirmation exists for the product names or exact specifications, and details on manufacturing partners for the new chips remain speculative.

AppleInsider

• “The goal is to let users ask Siri questions about objects and the surrounding environment.” — Mark Gurman, Bloomberg reporter

Bloomberg

• “The device’s computer-vision cameras won’t be intended to capture photos and video — instead, they’ll act as sensors that feed visual context into Siri.” — Apple source (Bloomberg)

Bloomberg

• “The camera AirPods will help solidify Apple’s push into what it calls Visual Intelligence, technology that can analyze images and provide instant context.” — Bloomberg report

Bloomberg

• “There are also external lights to indicate to people around the wearer when data is being sent from the earbuds to the cloud for processing.” — Bloomberg report

Bloomberg

• “The new earbuds are expected to debut alongside the second generation of Apple’s foldable iPhone and a special iPhone model marking the device’s 20th anniversary.” — Bloomberg report

AirPods with cameras could arrive in 2027 as Apple expands its AI ambitions

Apple is testing the camera-AirPods and associated software with the upcoming iOS 28 beta. Development of the N50 smart glasses and the AI-pendant continues, with potential late-2027 releases. Monitoring chip-fabrication agreements with TSMC and Intel will be critical for the 2-nm and 1.4-nm roadmap.

TechSpot