Apple's September Event to Feature AirPods 5, Not Camera Earbuds

Apple is expected to launch two new AirPods 5 models, one with active noise cancellation and one without, at its September 9 event [1, 4]. This release comes as camera-equipped AirPods, initially rumored for 2026, have been postponed to 2027 due to supply chain and software challenges [3].

AirPods 5 Launch and Camera Earbuds Delay

Apple's upcoming "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9 will likely introduce the AirPods 5, marking the first update to its entry-level earbuds since 2024 [2, 4]. These new models are anticipated to include both a standard version and one featuring active noise cancellation [1, 4]. The event will also be the first major hardware refresh under new CEO John Ternus, who takes over on September 1 [2].

While the AirPods 5 are on schedule, the more advanced camera-equipped AirPods, which were in advanced testing this past spring, have faced delays [3]. Despite a recent accidental leak of a demo video in a developer version of macOS software, which showed the camera AirPods in action, the product's launch has been pushed to 2027 [3, 4]. These camera AirPods, code-named B790 and B798, are designed with low-resolution sensors primarily for Visual Intelligence, an Apple feature that uses cameras to analyze the environment and provide context to Siri and other AI tools, rather than for high-quality photos or videos [3]. The delay stems from unresolved supply chain and software issues that emerged by summer, pushing the product off the 2026 release schedule [3].

Broader Product Refresh and AI Focus

The September 9 event is also expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, which will have a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.3-inch outer display [1, 4]. New Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 12 with a ceramic case option and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, are also anticipated [1, 2]. These smartwatches are expected to offer minor upgrades, such as improved fitness tracking and additional satellite features for the Ultra model [1, 2].

Beyond the September event, Apple has a significant pipeline of AI-focused products planned for late 2026 and 2027. This includes a new Apple TV with an A17 Pro chip or newer, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, and Siri AI support [1]. A new HomePod mini with Siri AI support and improved sound quality is also expected [1]. An all-new smart home hub, featuring a 6-inch to 7-inch display, an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, and FaceTime, is also in development, with both tabletop and wall-mounted versions planned [1, 3]. The camera-equipped AirPods, when they launch in 2027, will join other new Apple products, including the company's first smart glasses and a neck- or shirt-worn pendant with a camera, as part of Apple's broader AI wearables strategy [3].

What to watch

• September 9 Event Details: Monitor the official announcements for specific features, pricing, and shipping dates for the AirPods 5, new iPhones, and Apple Watches [2].
• Camera AirPods Development: Track further updates on the resolution of supply chain and software issues for the camera-equipped AirPods ahead of their projected 2027 launch [3].
• AI Wearables Strategy: Observe how Apple integrates Visual Intelligence and Siri AI across its new wearable devices, including smart glasses and other camera-equipped accessories, in 2027 [3].

The decision to launch the AirPods 5 while delaying the camera-equipped version highlights Apple's strategy to balance incremental updates with the complex development of new AI-centric hardware, particularly as new CEO John Ternus takes the helm.