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The anticipated launch of Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods Pro has reportedly been put on hold, according to well-known leaker and prototype collector Kosutami. In a recent update shared on X, the leaker clarified a previous post from June, which suggested the project was finished, stating instead that it has been suspended without providing further details.
This revelation is unexpected, especially considering a report from Bloomberg last May indicated that the camera-integrated AirPods Pro were in an advanced testing phase and close to completion, hinting that mass production could start soon. However, the same report suggested that Apple might delay the launch if the quality of the underlying Visual Intelligence technology for Siri did not meet its standards.
The built-in cameras are designed to relay information about the environment to Siri, with a focus on enhancing AI capabilities rather than capturing photographs or videos. In February, Kosutami revealed that infrared cameras integrated into the AirPods Pro would enable connectivity with Apple Intelligence, a claim that has since been supported by other credible sources. This new audio accessory has been under development for approximately four years.
Initial plans were for Apple to release the camera-enhanced AirPods Pro in the first half of 2026; however, the launch has been delayed pending the development of an upgraded AI version of Siri. This new iteration is currently part of the iOS 27 beta, but it will not be officially available until the wider rollout of iOS 27 in September.
According to Bloomberg, Apple anticipated strong consumer interest in the new AirPods Pro and had been coordinating efforts to obtain components for the launch amid ongoing challenges related to the global shortage of memory chips and other silicon. It remains unclear if this supply chain issue contributed to Kosutami’s announcement regarding the project’s suspension.
Kosutami has built a reputation as a collector of prototype Apple products and has occasionally provided accurate insights into the company’s product plans. They successfully predicted features of the iPhone 16 Pro and offered a glimpse at an innovative Apple Watch band made from the controversial FineWoven material. However, they also faced some inaccuracies, notably claiming that the AirPods Pro 3 would debut in August 2024.
