In August 2026, the consumer electronics industry is discussing a major restructuring of Apple's roadmap in the wearable segment. The company, known for its annual iPhone updates, is applying a different, more conservative strategy to the AirPods Pro line. After releasing the third-generation model in 2025, equipped with a heart rate sensor, Cupertino is preparing not a revolutionary update with cameras, but a phased development plan that could delay the launch of "smart" headphones until 2027.
Two models instead of one: Strategy B790 and B798
According to fresh data published by Apple Insider and confirmed by analysts, Apple is developing two different configurations for the next generation of its flagship headphones. The first model, codenamed B790, is scheduled for release in the current year, 2026. This device is positioned as an evolutionary update to the AirPods Pro 3: it will receive improvements in the active noise cancellation system, enhanced battery life, and possibly a body temperature sensor. However, the key innovation — infrared cameras — is not included in this version.
The second model, B798, is the "breakthrough" device that insiders have been talking about for several years. It is this model that will receive built-in infrared cameras and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. However, the release of this model has been pushed to 2027. This approach allows Apple to keep the product relevant in 2026 without compromising the quality and functionality of the more complex model, which will require time for debugging.
Camera technology: not for video, but for AI
It is important to understand that the cameras in future AirPods Pro are not intended for taking photos or video in the traditional sense. The main task of the built-in optical sensors is to collect data for local AI systems. According to patents filed as early as 2024 and 2025, the headphones will be able to analyze the surrounding space. For example, a user could simply look at a store sign or an object, and Siri will provide information about it, determine the location, or assist with navigation.
The development of this technology has a long history. In 2020, Apple filed a patent application for a "Wearable Interactive Audio Device," exploring gesture support. In subsequent years, the patents were refined: in June 2025, the use of lasers for lip reading was described, and in July 2025, the use of cameras as proximity sensors to determine the distance to objects. Integrating these technologies into a compact headphone housing remains a complex engineering challenge.
Contradictory data
Contrary to the optimistic forecasts that circulated at the beginning of 2026, there are serious disagreements regarding the implementation of control functions. In February 2026, sources claimed that the next generation of AirPods Pro would be able to analyze space and support complex gestures. However, in May 2026, reports emerged that the version with cameras might not support gesture recognition, and control would be entirely voice-based via Siri.
Furthermore, in July 2026, the B790 identifier was found in the iOS 27 beta, which coincided with reports of a possible complete halt of work on cameras in headphones. Despite this, August reports confirmed that project B798 is alive, but postponed to 2027. Thus, the industry is observing fluctuations from "revolution already this year" to "delayed release next year".
Economics and availability
Despite the introduction of complex technologies, such as infrared sensors and optical systems, Apple aims to maintain the price accessibility of the device. According to preliminary data, the cost of the model with cameras (B798) should remain at the level of current AirPods Pro versions. This indicates that the company views cameras not as a premium feature, but as a standard means of interacting with the digital environment in the era of AI dominance.
