Apple Is Preparing to Release a New Camera-free Airpods Pro Model by the End of 2026, 'S Mark Gurman Reports'

Apple is preparing to release a new camera-free AirPods Pro model by the end of 2026, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. The device, internally codenamed B790, is being positioned as an alternative to the camera-equipped AirPods Pro version, which has reportedly slipped to 2027. In his latest newsletter, Gurman said the camera-equipped AirPods Pro is no longer expected to debut in 2026. That assessment echoes earlier evaluations from May, which noted the model was still in design validation testing and had fallen behind schedule for a 2026 launch, making 2027 a far more realistic target. B790, however, is said to be at a more advanced development stage and has already surfaced in iOS 27 code.

It is described as a camera-free refresh of the current AirPods Pro, developed alongside B798, the camera-equipped counterpart. Apple's broader plan to embed cameras or infrared sensors in AirPods ties into its long-rumored Apple Glass initiative. These sensors would help Apple Intelligence perceive and understand the outside world.

Even without a built-in display, camera-equipped earbuds could offer a new way to respond to user queries, with Siri providing voice feedback and notifications arriving visually through the iPhone or Apple Watch. Given that autumn is traditionally Apple's busiest product launch period, the company is expected to add the new unit to its lineup before the year is out. The B790 update is expected to arrive as a camera-free improvement to the existing AirPods Pro, with current Apple roadmap plans pointing to a 2026 release.