Apple could introduce a new generation of premium AirPods sooner than expected, with a camera-equipped model potentially arriving as early as fall 2026.
But there is an important distinction: Apple has not confirmed that this product will actually be called AirPods Pro 4.
Quick Answer
Apple has not announced AirPods Pro 4 or confirmed a release date.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a camera-equipped AirPods project known internally as B790. It is reportedly closer to production and could arrive before the end of 2026.
Apple has also worked on another camera-AirPods project called B798, which was previously linked to 2027. It remains unclear whether Apple will eventually release both.
For now, fall 2026 is the earliest window to watch, but it is still unclear whether the product arriving then will actually be AirPods Pro 4.
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When Could AirPods Pro 4 Come Out?
The earliest rumored window is fall 2026.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says B790 is further along in development and could launch this year, although Apple has not confirmed any date.
Code found in an iOS 27 beta reportedly references B790, cameras and Visual Intelligence features, adding software-level evidence to the rumor.
Apple has also worked on another camera-AirPods project called B798, previously linked to 2027.
However, B790 and B798 may be competing internal designs rather than two confirmed generations. Apple could ultimately release one, both or neither in their current form.
| Detail | Current Status |
|---|---|
| B790 | Camera-equipped AirPods project |
| Possible timing | As early as fall 2026 |
| B798 | Another camera-AirPods project |
| B798 timing | Previously linked to 2027 |
| Final product lineup | Unclear |
| AirPods Pro 4 name | Unconfirmed |
| Official announcement | None |
Could AirPods Pro 4 Have Cameras?
Possibly — but B790 has not been confirmed as AirPods Pro 4.
What the latest reporting does support is that cameras are being developed for Apple's next premium AirPods project.
These cameras are not expected to be used mainly for taking photos or recording video.
Instead, they could give Siri and Visual Intelligence information about the world around the wearer.
You could potentially look at a landmark and ask Siri what it is.
Or you might ask about nearby text without first taking out your iPhone.
Code found in an iOS 27 beta reportedly references Visual Intelligence working with landmarks, text and known objects on the B790 device.
In other words:
The cameras are less about photography and more about giving Siri eyes.
Bloomberg has also described possible uses such as contextual reminders and more useful walking directions.
If implemented as reported, this could make AirPods a more capable hands-free AI device.
What About Privacy?
Putting cameras into something people wear in their ears would immediately raise privacy questions.
Recent reporting says Apple has tested a small LED indicator that could show when the cameras are active.
That could give people nearby a visible signal when the visual sensors are being used.
There have also been rumors about hand-gesture recognition.
Infrared sensors could theoretically detect movement around the wearer, but gesture control remains much less certain than the camera and Visual Intelligence features.
Traditional upgrades such as better ANC, audio processing and power efficiency are also possible.
For now, though, the strongest new reports focus on cameras, Siri and Visual Intelligence.
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Both are practical options if you want to keep your Apple devices charged without adding multiple chargers to your desk.
Should You Buy AirPods Pro 3 or Wait?
If you need new earbuds now, AirPods Pro 3 remain the safer choice.
Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025 with improved Active Noise Cancellation, heart-rate sensing and a redesigned fit.
There is no confirmation that B790 will directly replace them.
A camera-equipped model could instead sit above AirPods Pro 3 as a more expensive premium option.
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now if:
-
You need new earbuds now
-
ANC and audio quality matter more than future AI features
-
You prefer an established product
Wait if:
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Your current AirPods still work well
-
Camera-based Visual Intelligence interests you
-
You want to see whether Apple introduces a new premium AirPods model this fall
With the rumored fall 2026 window approaching, buyers who are not in a hurry may want to wait for more information.
But waiting for Apple's next premium AirPods and waiting for a product officially called AirPods Pro 4 may not be the same thing.
Conclusion
Apple has not announced AirPods Pro 4, and there is still no confirmation that the B790 camera-AirPods project will use that name.
What is becoming clearer is that Apple is actively developing premium AirPods with cameras designed around Siri and Visual Intelligence, with B790 reportedly far enough along that a launch could happen as early as fall 2026.
If you need new earbuds now, AirPods Pro 3 remain the more straightforward choice. If your current pair still works well and the new camera and AI features interest you, waiting for more information makes sense.
So, is AirPods Pro 4 coming in 2026 or 2027?
2026 is currently the earliest window worth watching, but the product arriving then may not actually be AirPods Pro 4.
