A new report claims that Apple is preparing multiple new releases for late 2027, including a 20th-anniversary iPhone, and AirPods with cameras. Though, there's enough hedging here to be skeptical.

It's long been presumed that Apple will release an iPhone 20 to mark the anniversary of the original iPhone, and that it may have a bezel-free display. Similarly, a second generation folding iPhone, and AirPods with cameras have been repeatedly rumored before.

But now Bloomberg claims that all of these are being prepared for a late 2027 launch. Unspecified sources say that Apple intends to launch its greatest number of products yet.

The report also claims that each of these devices is already being tested, alongside the more predictable testing of iOS 28.

AI AirPods

As previously rumored, the report suggests that the purpose of cameras in AirPods is not to take photos or replace users' iPhones. Instead, the example quoted again here is that via their AirPods, a user could ask Siri to suggest a meal based on what is in their fridge.

Augmented reality scene in a cozy living room, showing a floating text panel above a table with hiking boots, folded clothes, rope, flashlight, bottle, and camping gear near fireplace and dining area

Apple already showed how Visual Intelligence can work in an AR space

For all that it is repeatedly cited, that's not a very clear example. A user could presumably verbally tell Siri what's left in the fridge, for example.

There are now Apple Intelligence tools that recognize food types. So it could be that the AirPods cameras would do that too.

The new report claims that the cameras will be in the stems, so it's possible that they will be forward-facing. Otherwise, a user would have to take the AirPods out to point the cameras, and that seems no benefit over pulling out an iPhone.

Reportedly these AirPods were intended to be released in 2026. It appears that they were held up as Apple worked on developing Apple Intelligence models that could identify objects.

It's previously been reported that these AirPods are in Apple's design validation testing (DVT), which should mean they are close to being released. This new report adds that the cameras will include lights to show when they are active.

Hand holding a single white wireless earbud with silicone tip, shown close up against a softly blurred light background

AirPods with cameras will need to see in front of the user to be useful

Bloomberg does seem to be the main source for claims regarding AirPods with cameras, but there have been others. In June 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo surmised that they would come as an accessory for the Apple Vision Pro.

Then in February 2026, there was a sketchy leak that claimed that cameras would not add to the cost of future AirPods.

As well as being the latest in a series of rumors regarding AirPods with cameras, this report also follows the granting of a patent for the technology.

While the report tries to blame the AirPods with cameras release window on the new Siri release, the reality of the situation isn't clear. No reliable previous reporting provided a release window, and this report today even says they're still in validation testing.

While the new Siri AI is important to the product, its release in 2026 likely has nothing to do with products arriving in 2027. The publication's need to drive some kind of negative angle with everything Apple is on clear display here.

New iPhones

It's not a stretch to imagine that Apple will mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone with a new model. That's what it did in 2017 with the iPhone X, and Tim Cook said at the time that this design would define the next ten years of smartphones.

Foldable smartphone standing partially open on a wooden desk, displaying colorful wavy lines, with a small potted succulent, a glowing cat-shaped night light, and computer mouse nearby

iPhone Fold is expected in 2026 and the latest rumor suggests an immediate successor in 2027

What's perhaps less certain, despite Bloomberg's insistence, is that there will be a second-generation folding iPhone. At present, despite multiple leaks claiming the first iPhone Fold will be announced in September 2026, various reports say that there are delays.

A lot will depend on how September goes for Apple. If the first-generation iPhone Fold is truly ready to be revealed and launched in 2026, a second-generation could arrive in 2027.

The report, of course, suggests that all rumors provided today are subject to change and are merely goals Apple has internally. Even with that hedge to cover the publication's reputation in case of incorrect rumors, it'll no doubt be happy to call any internal delay yet another failure.