While the rumored camera-equipped AirPods Pro won't be coming out until 2027, an update is still expected by the end of 2026.
Fall is the traditionally busy launch period for Apple's product catalog, and that can include AirPods. However, while there are rumors of a wild addition to the earbud range in development for 2027, Apple may still have something to launch in 2026.
Writing in Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman reiterates that AirPods Pro probably won't be coming out in 2026. Back in May, while the model was said to be very close to launch, being in the design validation testing (DVT) stage, it was thought that it was too late in the schedule for 2026, and 2027 was a safer bet.
A more probable 2026 candidate is said to be in the works, under codename B790, with Gurman insisting that Apple habitually makes competing versions internally. The B790 was the alternative to the camera-equipped versions, codenamed B798.
The B790 are said to be "further along," and have been referenced in iOS 27 code. They have also apparently been listed on Apple's internal road map for launch as early as 2026.
As for what to expect, Gurman doesn't provide any clues about them. Most probably, they will be an enhancement of the current version, but without any cameras.
