Camera AirPods and new iPhone for 2027 Apfelpatient

Late 2027 could be Apple's busiest product year in a long time. A new report mentions three major new releases for this period: a 20th-anniversary iPhone, a second generation of the foldable iPhone, and, for the first time, AirPods with built-in cameras. The roadmap isn't set in stone yet – timelines are considered flexible.

The information comes from a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman and outlines Apple's hardware lineup for the next two years. At its heart is an iPhone planned for its 20th anniversary, for which expectations have already solidified into a coherent picture. Alongside this, the long-awaited camera-equipped AirPods are expected, which Apple, according to the report, is positioning as its first wearable AI product. What will distinguish each device and why the AirPods in particular are delayed paints a coherent picture.

AirPods with cameras: Apple's first AI wearable

According to Bloomberg, the camera-equipped AirPods, codenamed B798, are being developed and are expected to be released by the end of 2027. These would be the first AirPods that Apple markets as a wearable AI product. The built-in cameras are explicitly not intended for taking photos or videos; instead, they are designed to transmit information about the wearer's surroundings to Siri.

Based on this, Siri could answer questions about objects and what the person is currently looking at. The report also mentions context-aware reminders and more precise step-by-step navigation while walking as further applications. Visually, the AirPods are expected to resemble the current AirPods Pro 3, but with cameras integrated into the stem. An integrated light will signal to those nearby when the cameras are transmitting data to Siri.

Why the camera AirPods are being delayed

The AirPods were originally slated for release in 2026. Reports indicate that the delay was due, in part, to Apple's ongoing difficulties with its AI software – the same issues that have already pushed back the delivery of other Apple devices. Additionally, Apple reportedly had to develop visual AI models capable of reliably recognizing objects in the environment.

A functional precursor already exists: Visual Intelligence allows Siri to provide details about photos taken. In iOS 27, Visual Intelligence is accessible via the Camera app and a new Siri mode. The camera-equipped AirPods would take this principle a step further by performing environmental analysis directly at the ear and in real time.

The anniversary iPhone with curved glass

According to the report, the flagship of the 2027 iPhone lineup would be an anniversary model with a nearly bezel-less display. It would also reportedly feature glass that curves around the sides – an approach that aligns with a previously spotted prototype with a fully curved display.

According to Gurman, this iPhone will be released in two versions, similar in size to this year's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The codenames are said to be V73 and V74, and the models would succeed the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The anniversary refers to the first iPhone from 2007 – 2027 marks its twentieth anniversary.

Second generation of foldables and a new chip

In parallel, a second generation of the foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to launch at the end of 2027. Both the anniversary models and the second-generation foldable are expected to run on an A21 chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, internally codenamed Naxos.

The report also outlines the further chip roadmap: In 2028, Apple's high-end iPhones are expected to receive an A22 Pro chip, possibly based on a new 1.4-nanometer manufacturing process. In the shorter term, this year's models are slated for updates: The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to use the A20 Pro chip, while the regular iPhone 18 is expected to be released in early 2027 with the base A20 chip.

Testing with iOS 28 and Apple's glasses plans

According to the report, all three devices are already being tested with iOS 28. At the same time, it is emphasized that the timelines are flexible and could still change. Another intriguing clue: Apple is also reportedly working on smart glasses, which could potentially be released by the end of next year. If this is true, the smart glasses, expected to launch by the end of 2027, and the camera-equipped AirPods would be released around the same time.

The larger line behind the shift

The pattern is striking: Apple's lagging AI development has repeatedly led to hardware releases being delayed. The camera-equipped AirPods are the most recent example, as their usefulness depends directly on powerful image recognition technology and a Siri that can process this data effectively. Apple is thus increasingly linking its most important hardware bets to the maturity of its own AI – a lever that can accelerate product launches, but also slow them down. For precisely this reason, the aforementioned timeframes should be considered a snapshot in time until further notice.

Apple's hardware year 2027 is taking shape

Should the information prove true, an unusual bundle of products would be launched at the end of 2027: a redesigned anniversary iPhone, the second generation of foldable devices, the first AI wearable in the form of camera-equipped AirPods, and possibly smart glasses. However, there is still plenty of time before then, during which priorities and deadlines can shift – especially since Apple itself reportedly still considers its plans to be flexible. (Image: Shutterstock / photoschmidt)