Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods, described as its first AI wearable, with current rumors indicating a launch in late 2027. The earbuds will resemble the current AirPods Pro 3 but will feature tiny infrared cameras embedded in the stem, similar to the infrared camera used for Face ID, along with an LED that lights up when visual data is sent to the cloud. The cameras will feed data about the wearer's surroundings to Siri, enabling features like more exact turn-by-turn walking directions, contextual reminders, and 3D mapping, as well as supplying data for Visual Intelligence without using the Camera app; users are not likely to capture photos or videos. Apple is developing an upgraded H3 chip expected to bring latency improvements and better audio quality. Naming is unsettled, with possibilities including AirPods Pro 4 or AirPods Ultra. With the addition of cameras, the AirPods could be more expensive than the current $249 AirPods Pro 3. An iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, available on the iPhone 15 Pro and later, will be required to use the features. The latest information indicates the earbuds will launch in late 2027 alongside the 20th anniversary iPhone and a second-generation foldable iPhone.