AirPods Ultra are coming with cameras for Siri

Apple’s “Ultra” Era: Everything We Know About the iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods Ultra

If you thought “Pro Max” was the peak of Apple’s branding hierarchy, think again. It looks like the tech giant is shifting gears to embrace a more premium identity across its entire lineup. We’ve already seen the Apple Watch Ultra, but rumors suggest that the “Ultra” badge is about to become the new gold standard for the iPhone, MacBook, and even AirPods.

First up is the long-awaited foldable. While we’ve been calling it the “iPhone Fold” for years, latest reports indicate it will actually hit the market as the iPhone Ultra. This shift signals a move toward positioning the foldable as the absolute top-tier device in the ecosystem. And it doesn’t stop there—Apple is also reportedly working on a MacBook Ultra to sit above the current Pro models.

AirPods with Eyes? Here’s the Deal

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor involves the next generation of pro-level earbuds. What would typically be the AirPods Pro 3 might actually debut as the AirPods Ultra. The big differentiator? Integrated cameras.

Now, before you imagine taking ear-level selfies, these cameras have a much more functional purpose. They are designed to act as a set of eyes for Siri. This isn’t the Siri we’ve known for years, either. We’re looking at a completely revamped, AI-driven assistant—reportedly powered by Google’s Gemini—that aims to understand the world around you in real-time. Whether you’re asking about a landmark you’re standing in front of or needing context on an object, these cameras provide the visual data Siri needs to actually be useful.

A Glimpse into the Future (and iOS 27)

While the hardware sounds like it’s pulled straight from a sci-fi movie, the software timeline might require some patience. Rumors point toward this supercharged, AI-ified Siri arriving with iOS 27. If that holds true, we might have a bit of a wait before these features become a daily reality.

There has also been plenty of speculation regarding what these cameras can actually do. While some hoped for advanced gesture controls—allowing you to wave your hand to skip a track or adjust volume—Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has poured a little cold water on that idea. According to him, the cameras are strictly there for visual context for Siri, not for tracking hand movements. Even without gestures, the idea of wearable tech that can “see” and assist you is a massive leap forward for Apple’s wearable strategy.