Leaked AirPods with cameras could overshadow the iPhone 18 Pro

A video showing a pair of AirPods fitted with cameras has reportedly leaked. Apple could unveil this new product in September, potentially stealing the spotlight from the iPhone 18 Pro.

As September approaches, when Apple is expected to hold its major keynote of the year, the company’s fans are watching closely for every rumour about the price and new features of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and foldable iPhone, all of which are expected to be revealed at the event. However, Apple’s biggest keynote surprise may not be a smartphone after all, but an accessory. The company may also have made a serious mistake by inadvertently leaking a video featuring this unprecedented device.

Leaked AirPods with cameras use Visual Intelligence

The product in question is a pair of AirPods with cameras, a device that has already been the subject of numerous rumours. According to X account @aaronp613, a source regularly cited by the media, Apple accidentally included a video showcasing these radically different AirPods in “macOS 26.7 RC”, a test build of an update that is close to its final release.

The video indicates that the camera-equipped earbuds would rely on Apple’s Visual Intelligence AI. For instance, when a user sees a book cover, they could ask the AI by voice to save that book for later, without needing to say its title.

An accessory that could overshadow the iPhone 18 Pro

In essence, these AirPods with cameras would offer features comparable to those found on camera-equipped smart glasses, but without a display. Since the video leaked through one of Apple’s own software products, a launch could be imminent, with the new AirPods potentially unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple’s AI-focused products could be approaching

Apple is, in any case, expected to finally release new products designed specifically for AI. Rumours also suggest that the company is developing a smart home display and smart glasses. After falling significantly behind, the Cupertino company was ultimately able to develop its new version of Siri, enhanced by generative AI, by drawing on Gemini technologies.