New AirPods set to arrive before the end of the year, but don't hold your breath on cameras in Apple earbuds just yet

Date:
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:40:13 +0000

Description:
A fresh report points to new AirPods set to be unveiled this year, but not Apple's much-touted camera-enhanced models (yet).

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter AirPods with cameras are apparently still coming... ... but the next model, due in 2026, won't have them In truth, little is known about these new buds (which is how Apple likes it) For some reason, Apple fans are clamoring for new AirPods with cameras built in, and we've been hearing plenty of rumors that they're on the way . But a new report suggests they won't actually be the next Apple earbuds we see.

According to stalwart Apple correspondent Mark Gurman (via his Power On newsletter ), Apple has two AirPods models on the go. The flagship ice-white buds we've been reporting on are set to have tiny AI cameras and Gurman has now backed up rumors of their being slated for a 2027 release. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

But some models are expected in 2026: Gurman mentions another pair of buds (with a lot less known about them) that are likely to come along the 2026 iPhones at the end of the year.

The coverage doesn't specify whether these are AirPods, AirPods Pro or even over-ears, but the latter seem unlikely, because the AirPods Max 2 are only a few months old. You may like Here's when Samsung's clip-on earbuds are said
to be arriving The iPhone Air 2 could arrive in 2027 with improved cameras
and battery life What are the best AirPods to buy today? I've used every model, and here are my recommendations

Could it be a possible Beats release? TechRadar's Jacob Krol recently spent a few days at Apple's Beats HQ and pressed the highly successful Apple subsidiary brand on some much teased Beats headphones, spotted on various occasions at the World Cup recently , but the company remained tight-lipped
on those.

For now, we'll have to wait and see. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals,
and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Are cameras worth the wait? Questions concerning whether AirPods with cameras would even work aside, Apple faces the question given the recent backlash over glasses that see over whether most buyers would
even want that.

The point of the tech is, apparently, to let an AI assistant see what's going on around you. The hardware is part of a big AI push Apple is undergoing.

That's despite consumers' appetite for AI dropping as fast as companies' desperation for AI increases. I don't see many AirPods buyers opting for a
new pair of earbuds without a genuine reason they'd be useful (and no,
smarter Siri doesn't count), especially if their whole schtick is that
they're always spying on you.

Often when we see a tech product delayed, it's because it's just not ready yet. But with the camera-toting AirPods, it's more likely that we're not
ready yet... or maybe we just don't need them. The best wireless earbuds for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best earbuds 1. Best overall: Technics EAH-AZ100 2. Best mid-range: Cambridge Audio A100 3. Best budget: Nothing Ear (a) 4. Best for noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/new-airpods-set-to-arrive-befo re-the-end-of-the-year-but-dont-hold-your-breath-on-cameras-in-apple-earbuds-j ust-yet


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