Apple’s new AirPods with built-in cameras are in the late stages of development, just one step before production validation testing (PVT), according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The prototypes are now close to a stage where they feature a near-final design and capabilities, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. They added that the earbuds “are in advanced testing”.

The AirPods, which have been in development for almost four years, will become Apple’s first wearable device built specifically for the AI era. They aren’t designed for taking photos or videos, but rather for gathering information, similar to uploading photos to chatbots like ChatGPT, according to Gurman.

The cameras will capture low-resolution images and connect to the Siri digital assistant, allowing users to ask questions about them.

The cameras can also be used to offer reminders based on what the wearer sees or give advanced turn-by-turn directions.

Privacy concerns remain a significant consideration, especially as the earbuds can capture the surroundings and people in them in real-time. To address those, Apple has introduced a small LED light that will show when visual data is being processed.

Apple postponed the earbuds’ planned first-half launch due to delays to its revamped Siri assistant. The updated version is currently expected in September. But although camera-equipped AirPods prototypes are almost ready, the release could still be pushed back if the team isn’t happy with the new visual intelligence features, the people said.

The device will resemble the AirPods Pro 3, but will have longer stems for the cameras.

Apple’s prototypes are currently at design validation testing, which will be followed by production validation testing. The final stage involves producing early mass-production units.

The team is working to secure enough components for launch, preparing for strong demand. But an industry-wide shortage of memory chips and other silicon complicates the process.

Thanks to the new device, Apple might become increasingly more competitive with its AI-heavy tech rivals like OpenAI and Meta. OpenAI is currently working on a phone that will replace apps with an AI agent, while Meta is betting on the success of its smart glasses.

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