Apple Plans Major 2027 Hardware Push With Camera AirPods, Foldable iPhone 2, and Anniversary iPhone

Apple is preparing several major hardware launches for 2027, including its first camera-equipped AirPods, a second-generation foldable iPhone, and a redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone. According to Bloomberg, all three products have reached advanced stages of development in recent months and are expected to debut during the first full year under incoming CEO John Ternus, who takes the helm on September 1.



The camera-equipped AirPods, internally code-named B798, are being positioned as Apple's first AI-focused wearable. Rather than taking traditional photos, the tiny cameras embedded in the stems will act as environmental sensors for Siri. The AirPods are expected to build on Apple's broader Visual Intelligence initiative in iOS 27, allowing users to ask questions about objects and their surroundings. The earbuds will closely resemble the current AirPods Pro design but feature external indicator lights to signal when visual data is being processed in the cloud.


The project was originally targeted for 2026 but faced delays as Apple worked to refine its artificial intelligence software and develop visual AI models capable of identifying objects in a user's surroundings. Earlier reports indicated the AirPods prototypes had reached near-final hardware and software stages. Apple has also explored using the cameras to provide contextual reminders in addition to object recognition and navigation assistance.

The AirPods are one of several AI-focused devices currently in development at Apple. The company is also developing smart glasses designed to rival Meta's current lineup, alongside an AI-powered wearable pendant. While the glasses could arrive as early as late 2027, development of the camera AirPods is currently much further along.

Apple's 2027 plans also include a second-generation foldable iPhone. Code-named V78, the device will arrive roughly a year after Apple's first foldable model is introduced this September. The schedule suggests Apple intends to update the foldable annually.

Anniversary iPhone models are also in development to mark the device's 20th year. Code-named V73 and V74, the devices will feature a nearly borderless display using curved glass that wraps around the chassis edges. The anniversary models will succeed the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and debut in similar sizes. Both the anniversary phones and the second-generation foldable will be powered by an upcoming 2-nanometer A21 chip known internally as Naxos.


The standard iPhone release schedule is changing as well. The standard iPhone 18 has been pushed to next year, meaning the base model will go at least 18 months without an update. When it does arrive, the standard iPhone 18 will utilize an A20 chip known internally as Banda, while the iPhone 18 Pro devices launching this fall will carry an A20 Pro processor code-named Borneo. Apple is also developing a successor to the standard iPhone 18 that will run a regular A21 chip known internally as Nimos.

Looking ahead to 2028, the A22 Pro is expected to use a 1.4-nanometer manufacturing process. While TSMC will handle the bulk of those advanced orders, Apple is also reportedly considering Intel as a potential manufacturing partner for some future chip production.