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New code found within Apple's iOS 27 developer beta build has renewed speculation surrounding the company’s upcoming AI-based wearable. At first, the code sparked speculation that it referred to Apple's long-rumored Vision Glasses. However, developers analyzing the new code believe the mystery wearable may actually be a pair of camera-equipped AirPods.
This discovery once again highlights Apple's growing interest in AI-powered hardware. With the introduction of Visual Intelligence, Apple has already begun expanding its AI features beyond the iPhone.
Developer Sam Henri Gold found that there were some details related to the unreleased gadget with the codename B790 in iOS 27's second beta version. The code contains system messages related to Apple's Visual Intelligence feature. The feature would allow the wearable to recognize landmarks, text and other objects captured by its onboard cameras.
Examples embedded in the software include objects such as the Eiffel Tower and a coffee mug, indicating that the wearable could provide contextual information about what users see in real time. Although the discovery initially fueled speculation around Apple Vision Glasses, further analysis points elsewhere.
The code references images captured ‘from cameras on either side of a user's head.’ This description aligns more closely with earbuds than eyewear. Developers also note that the B790 codename closely follows earlier internal identifiers linked to AirPods, while Apple's rumored smart glasses have reportedly been associated with a different codename.
Apple introduced Visual Intelligence as part of its broader Apple Intelligence initiative. Thus, allowing users to identify objects, landmarks and text through AI-powered image recognition.
These features appear to be integrated into code related to wearables. Experts suggest that Apple aims to utilize this functionality through both wearable devices and smartphones. Apple has already announced several AI improvements coming with iOS 27.
The latest code only proves one thing: Apple is working on software for a new type of AI-powered wearable with built-in cameras. Whether it will turn out to be Apple Vision Glasses or camera-equipped AirPods is unknown at this moment.
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