Apple may still be working on AirPods with built-in cameras, despite a recent report that the project had been canceled. A new demo video found in the latest macOS 26.7 release candidate appears to show the camera-equipped AirPods in action. MacRumors discovered the clip while examining the software update.
In the short video, a person wearing the AirPods picks up a book and asks a question. A voiceover then explains how visual intelligence could help users save things they see. The video supports earlier reports about how Apple plans to use cameras on the AirPods. Instead of taking photos, the cameras are expected to work with Siri and Visual Intelligence.
The feature could allow Siri to understand objects and other details around the wearer. Users could then ask questions about what the AirPods are seeing. MacRumors also found references to setting up Visual Intelligence on AirPods in macOS 26.7. The software reportedly identifies the upcoming AirPods with the codename B790.
Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence.
This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026
Another alert found in the release candidate tells users to keep the AirPods uncovered. It says this helps provide the most accurate information about things in the surrounding environment. The findings suggest Apple has made progress on the camera-equipped AirPods. However, the launch timing remains unclear.
MacRumors believes Apple could introduce the AirPods alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently offered a different timeline, saying the AirPods may have been delayed until late 2027.
For now, the demo provides the clearest sign that Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods project may still be active. Apple has not officially confirmed the product or its launch date.
