Apple's next-generation AirPods Pro may not be as far away as previously thought. While the camera-equipped model has reportedly been delayed until 2027, a new report says Apple is still planning a more conventional AirPods Pro refresh for 2026.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to include an AirPods Pro model in its 2026 lineup of devices. Earlier reports claimed the company was working on a radical new pair of AirPods with built-in visual sensors, internally codenamed B798, designed to provide Siri with environmental awareness. However, Gurman now says that model has slipped to 2027 instead.
Despite this delay, Gurman revealed that an alternative 2026 AirPods Pro is still in active development. This alternative could be a camera-free model under the codename B790 and is reportedly "further along" in the engineering pipeline.
In fact, evidence of B790's existence was already found in iOS 27's code, with Gurman noting that the device remains listed on Apple's internal launch roadmap for a potential 2026 debut.
While we don't know much about the B790 AirPods model, they are expected to be similar to the current AirPods Pro. They could feature the same design and incorporate minor upgrades here and there.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max around September 2026, which is also when we should see the brand unveil its AirPods Pro refresh. While information about the launch timeline of the camera-equipped AirPods is unknown, rumours suggest it may arrive in late 2027.
Late 2027 is when we can also expect Apple to launch the iPhone 20 for its 20th anniversary, skipping the iPhone 19 series entirely. This could present a perfect opportunity for the brand to innovate and level up its audio game.
More information about the camera-equipped AirPods should be revealed as we transition into 2027, so stay tuned.
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