Apple Rumored to Launch Camera-Equipped AirPods and Second Folding iPhone by 2027

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has shared details about rumored new Apple hardware, including camera-equipped AirPods and a second folding iPhone. The AirPods, previously reported on by Gurman, are currently on schedule for a late 2027 launch. They are being internally tested with next year's iOS update, iOS 28, while developers are checking out beta releases for this fall's iOS 27 update.

The camera-equipped AirPods are said to have cameras mounted in their stems and lights to indicate when data is being uploaded to the cloud. This new feature could give the upgraded version of Siri "visual context" about the user's surroundings. Gurman also mentioned a second folding iPhone, which has been rumored in the past.

No details were provided about the new iPhone's features or release date. The potential launch of these new devices comes as Apple continues to integrate AI-powered features into its platforms, as seen in the recent WWDC announcements. Why this matters: The introduction of camera-equipped AirPods and a second folding iPhone could have significant implications for the tech industry.

For consumers, these devices could offer new ways to interact with their surroundings and access information. For developers, the upgraded Siri capabilities could enable new types of app experiences that integrate with the physical environment. For businesses, the launch of these devices could create new opportunities for advertising and customer engagement.

However, questions remain about how Apple will balance the benefits of these new features with concerns around user privacy and data security. As the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI-powered hardware, it will be important to watch how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of technology.