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Apple Halts Camera-Equipped AirPods Pro Development, Says Leaker

MacRumors •
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Apple has reportedly suspended development of its camera-equipped AirPods Pro, according to leaker Kosutami. The claim directly contradicts a May Bloomberg report indicating the wireless earbuds were in advanced testing and nearing production. Kosutami's X post suggests the project is on hold rather than cancelled, though no official confirmation exists.

The rumored AirPods Pro would integrate infrared cameras exclusively for AI functionality, feeding visual data to Siri for enhanced environmental awareness. These features connect to Apple Intelligence, representing roughly four years of development work. Apple previously targeted a first-half 2026 launch, but delayed the product awaiting iOS 27's improved AI capabilities, which remain in beta testing.

Kosutami maintains a mixed reliability record - accurately revealing the iPhone 16 Pro's metal-enclosed battery design months ahead of launch, yet incorrectly predicting AirPods Pro 3 availability in August 2024. Bloomberg previously reported Apple anticipated strong demand and was securing components despite chip shortages affecting the supply chain.

The suspension claim raises questions about Apple's AI hardware strategy and whether component constraints or software delays prompted the decision. Either way, consumers expecting camera-enabled AirPods face continued uncertainty.