Apple's Camera-Equipped AirPods Reach Late Testing in AI Device Push

Apple Inc. has reached the late stages of development for new AirPods with built-in cameras, a significant milestone for what will likely be its first wearable device designed for the artificial intelligence era.

The project has entered a phase where prototypes feature a near-final design and capabilities, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The earbuds, which rely on cameras to see the space surrounding a user and provide information, are in advanced testing, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is still under wraps.

Apple is betting that the new device can capitalize on the success of AirPods while also vaulting it into AI-enhanced hardware — an area where it’s facing competition from OpenAI, Meta Platforms Inc. and others.

The cameras essentially act as eyes for the Siri digital assistant and aren’t designed to take photos or video. These components — located in both the right and left earbuds — allow the device to capture visual information in low resolution. Other than longer stems to accommodate the cameras, the product will resemble the AirPods Pro 3.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-07/apple-s-camera-equipped-airpods-reach-advanced-testing-stage-in-ai-device-push?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3ODM1MzA0MCwiZXhwIjoxNzc4OTU3ODQwLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJURUpCRUFUOU5KTFQwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJDNjgyQTUwQzJCRDM0MTFCQTgwQjEwQjZEQjczQzM1MSJ9.6ObvlcALr4nWxL4IKEC9InVoSZpWAsfJWgAkyNjOKNs