For several months now, we’ve been periodically telling you about new AirPods Pro that would be equipped with cameras. If rumors are to be believed, Apple planned this upgrade to teach the earbuds to see their surroundings and work as a personal assistant. And just when there seemed to be no doubt about an imminent release, it suddenly turned out that Cupertino changed its mind.
The AirPods Pro with cameras project is reportedly canceled. Perhaps temporarily. Perhaps not
Why AirPods with Cameras Won’t Be Released
In February 2026, an insider going by the nickname Kosutami claimed that AirPods with cameras would still be released, and at the same price as current models. Now the same person has reported that Apple has shelved the idea.
Notably, the entire message fit into literally one word. Replying to his own post from June 2026, the insider wrote just one thing — “Project suspended.” He provided no details, timelines, or explanations.
How Trustworthy Is This Rumor
It’s important to soberly evaluate the source here. Kosutami is known primarily as a collector of Apple tech prototypes, not as a verified supplier of accurate leaks. He has had some successful predictions, but he has also shared inaccurate information in the past.
Kosutami is known for successful predictions but also misses — trusting a single word is risky
At the same time, the rumor contradicts a more serious source. In late June 2026, Bloomberg reported that the device was at an advanced stage of testing. At the time, the talk was that the earbuds might not come out in 2026, but they were close to release.
Why Would AirPods Even Need Cameras
The idea itself was described back in 2024 by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to him, miniature cameras would be placed in the stems of the earbuds — most likely in the AirPods Pro version. When the earbud is inserted in the ear, such a camera would face forward.
According to the concept, cameras could be placed in the stems of AirPods Pro
The practical purpose is simple. If you ask Siri about something in front of you, the camera could take a photo or record video, and then the image would be analyzed by a visual recognition feature. Essentially, the earbuds would become “eyes” for the voice assistant — useful, for example, to find out what building is in front of you or to read a sign in an unfamiliar language.
But since there are no details, we can only guess about the reasons for the project’s suspension. One possibility is a global chip shortage and the fact that Apple is prioritizing other devices.
The second possible reason is the still-unresolved question of privacy. It’s logical to expect that Apple would add a recording indicator — some kind of light signal showing that the camera is recording. But there’s no confirmation of this yet, and earbuds with a camera in the ear are a device that will inevitably raise questions from people around you.
Should You Wait for AirPods with Cameras
In short: the hype around this rumor is premature. On the one hand, several sources, including the reputable Bloomberg, are talking about earbuds with cameras, so the idea is definitely being explored. On the other hand, the fresh claim about a “suspension” rests on a single word from an insider with a mixed reputation.
Current AirPods Pro owners have nothing to worry about: there’s no point in buying anything right now in anticipation of a camera version coming soon. Even by optimistic forecasts, such earbuds weren’t expected this year, and now the timeline is even more uncertain. It’s wiser to follow Apple’s official announcements rather than short posts from insiders.
