In spite of a recent demo video leaking, the AirPods with cameras are rumored to not be ready for release until 2027. Also, concerns over them becoming “pervertpods” can be set aside.
After Apple accidentally leaked its own video of AirPods with cameras, speculation has been running wild. A reinforcement of an older rumor suggests that the timeline for release hasn’t shifted.
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is expected to debut a set of AirPods Pro 4 with cameras. These earbuds won’t be able to take photos and won’t be announced until sometime in 2027 when product issues are resolved.
Various leakers have shared their opinions on the matter, with some like Kosutami suggesting the product was cancelled. It seems that may be half true, with the AirPods Pro 3 variety of the product being shelved entirely, while an AirPods Pro 4 version is still in development.
Those speaking anonymously in the report say that the leaked video is for the AirPods Pro 3 variety. This aligns with Kosutami’s assertion that the video was old and accidentally left behind.
The danger of wearable cameras
Since the product won’t be able to capture photos or videos, people shouldn’t worry about them becoming “pervertpods.” The societal rejection and nickname stem from abuses committed by people wearing Meta’s smart glasses with built-in cameras.
Apple’s move towards smart glasses needs to be carefully considered
AppleInsider already speculated about the challenges Apple would face when it announces smart glasses with cameras in the future. It seems the AirPods with cameras may have to battle that issue first.
It seems like a potential solution to the privacy problem of wearable cameras is the one being rumored for these AirPods. Include sensors for AI and accessibility use, but don’t give users the ability to capture photos or video.
Since AirPods are such small and underpowered products, it seems incredibly likely that they won’t be able to capture photos due to physical limitations like battery life and sensor size. The included sensors will be able to get enough data to perceive the world for AI analysis, like scanning the book in that demo, but won’t have enough to produce a pixel-perfect image of the environment.
It remains to be seen if this distinction will be enough for privacy advocates. The problem with Meta glasses is their ability to capture photos and record videos without users’ consent.
Those videos become fodder for social media, whether it’s men abusing women in massage parlors or teen boys bullying teen girls in middle school — there is a reason they’ve become known as “pervert glasses.”
The accessibility aspects of wearable cameras and sensors could be life-changing for many. I doubt Apple will ignore that utility, but I also believe the company won’t release them into the world without real safeguards in place.
Personally, I think the images and video captured from glasses like Meta’s are awful, so I’m okay with Apple shipping glasses without that capability. Preventing the cameras on AirPods or smart glasses from capturing anything at all may be the best way to ensure users gain the utility of things like Visual Intelligence without the damage caused otherwise.