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Apple is getting ready to give your ears a set of eyes.
The tech giant is lining up an ambitious product launch, with AI-powered AirPods, a second-generation foldable iPhone, and a special anniversary iPhone all reportedly targeted for release in 2027. According to Bloomberg, the company is preparing a major wave of hardware releases that could help define its next chapter under incoming CEO John Ternus.
Among the most intriguing rumored products in development is a new version of AirPods equipped with cameras. But unlike traditional cameras designed for photography, these sensors are expected to serve as visual inputs for artificial intelligence features.
The earbuds are being developed as Apple's first AI-focused wearable device. The cameras would provide Siri with information about a user's surroundings, allowing the assistant to answer questions based on what the wearer is looking at. The technology is intended to support Apple's growing "Visual Intelligence" platform, which analyzes images and provides contextual information.
The AirPods project, internally known as B798, has reached an advanced stage of development. Prototypes are said to feature near-final hardware and software, according to Bloomberg. The report notes that the earbuds will include cameras embedded in the stems and external indicators that alert nearby people when information is being transmitted for cloud processing.
The Verge reported that the upgraded Siri would gain “visual context” about a user's surroundings via camera-equipped earbuds, positioning the earbuds as an important step before Apple's eventual launch of smart glasses.
Foldables become an annual category
Apple is also reportedly doubling down on foldable smartphones.
The company's first foldable iPhone is expected to arrive before the end of 2026. Bloomberg now says Apple is already preparing a second-generation model, internally known as V78, for launch in 2027.
The rapid follow-up suggests Apple sees foldable devices as a long-term product category rather than a one-off experiment. Annual updates would place the foldable lineup alongside the company's established iPhone release cycle.
20th anniversary iPhone design shift
Apple is also reportedly preparing a special iPhone model to mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. This device is expected to introduce a more dramatic design change than recent generations, including a nearly edge-to-edge display and curved glass that wraps around the sides of the device
The anniversary model is expected to sit alongside high-end devices in the iPhone lineup and could represent one of Apple’s most visually distinct redesigns in years.
New chips power future devices
Alongside the new hardware, Apple is developing a new generation of custom processors.
Bloomberg reports that the anniversary iPhones and second-generation foldable device will run on a 2-nanometer chip internally known as Naxos, which is expected to become the A21 Pro.
Looking further ahead, Apple is already planning an A22 Pro processor built using 1.4-nanometer manufacturing technology for future iPhones expected in 2028. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to remain a key production partner, though Apple is reportedly considering Intel for some manufacturing work.
Bigger AI ambitions
The AirPods are only one part of Apple's broader AI hardware strategy.
Bloomberg reported that the company is also working on smart glasses, internally known as N50, that could arrive as early as late 2027. The glasses are expected to compete with Meta's products and use advanced cameras capable of capturing photos and video.
Apple has also explored additional wearable concepts, including an AI-focused pendant that could be worn around the neck or attached to clothing.
While Apple has not publicly commented on any of the reported products, the plans suggest the company is preparing for a major expansion of its AI ecosystem.
If the roadmap holds, 2027 could become one of the most important years in Apple's history, combining new form factors, redesigned flagship devices, and AI-powered wearables in a single product cycle.
Also read: Our Apple Intelligence cheat sheet explains supported devices, Siri AI, Visual Intelligence, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and privacy controls.