Apple has accidentally left a lot of data within the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate, including a demo video showcasing AirPods with cameras. It is our best look yet.
The new AirPods with cameras have been rumored since January 2025. Not much is known about the product, but a lot of debate has been had over whether or not Apple's earbuds would actually gain "cameras."
In a video found within the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate, AirPods with Visual Intelligence are clearly shown and referenced. The video was shared by the code sleuth @aaronp613, which has a Siri voice saying a short tutorial.
With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later."
Here is the short video:
Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence.
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026
This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu
The AirPods Pro seen in the video appear to be a normal pair, with no signs of added hardware. Presumably, whatever camera or sensor is being used for Visual Intelligence is in the tip where the microphone is normally placed.
The person in the video has short hair that doesn't get in the way, so it remains to be seen how such a feature might be used for those that have long hair. Perhaps Apple will simply warn the user that the sensor is obstructed when attempting to use Visual Intelligence.
Whatever the case, it seems that AirPods with cameras are well beyond the testing phases at Apple. However, the video's presence in a macOS Tahoe release candidate doesn't suggest they are imminent.
Apple could reveal the product during the fall iPhone 18 event, which is expected to occur on September 9. The feature flags that were left on could be targeting any future release, so discovering such information in macOS Tahoe doesn't mean it'll be a feature in the OS.
