There’s a short video baked right into the macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC that shows a man wearing AirPods asking Siri to remember a book. Siri responds: With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later. That’s not a rumor, that’s a literal video file sitting inside a release candidate that Apple seeded to developers on August 17, 2026.
This RC basically left the door open. Beyond the camera-equipped AirPods demo, the software is packed with codename references across home devices, headphones, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and a headset. The N109 headset is what most people searching for “Apple AR/VR headset macOS 26.7 leak” came to find, and we’ll get to it first. But the real story is how much this one build accidentally revealed, a full inventory of what Apple’s got cooking across nearly every product line.
Key Takeaways
The N109 headset codename appears in the macOS 26.7 RC with driver and framework references that suggest active Mac-based development testing, though conflicting reports identify it as either a second-generation Vision Pro (Bloomberg) or a cheaper variant that was reportedly canceled (The Information).
Camera-equipped AirPods are real and further along than expected: the code contains the string referencing a start image stream failure for the left bud, plus a demo video showing Visual Intelligence saving book information, with a near-term launch expected September 2026 and a separate B798 project targeting 2027.
The iPhone lineup is shifting to a staggered launch strategy: the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra (codename V68) are expected in September 2026, while the iPhone Air 2 (V62) and base iPhone 18 (V67) won’t arrive until spring 2027.
Table of Contents
N109. Apple’s Next AR/VR Headset
The N109 codename appears in the code alongside references to the hand-tracking framework and spatial mapping library, indicating active Mac-based development testing. When a headset codename appears in a companion OS release candidate with driver references, it typically means developers are testing Mac-based workflows or the device is nearing final integration testing. Hand-tracking frameworks and spatial mapping library references may be present too, which would suggest Apple is still actively developing the device’s core interaction model.
But here’s where it gets muddy. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that N109 is the second-generation Vision Pro, a proper successor to the original. Meanwhile, The Information says it was a cheaper variant, and that cheaper version was reportedly canceled last year. MacRumors’ Aaron Perris has also tracked the codename, adding another data point to the conflicting reports. So the same codename might mean different things to different reporters, or Apple’s plans shifted midstream.
The ambiguity is honestly the story here. The code tells us something is still being tested, but it doesn’t tell us which version survived the planning room floor.
Camera-Equipped AirPods. B790 and B798
The code references an image stream failure for the left bud of device B790, indicating these AirPods have at least one camera per bud and are attempting to stream video.
B790
This is the near-term project, expected as soon as September 2026. The demo video in the RC shows it working: a man wearing AirPods with thicker stems (cameras not visible, but the stems are chunkier than current AirPods Pro) asks Siri to remember a book, and Siri responds with that “your world becomes savable” spiel. It’s a staged demo, so we shouldn’t take it as proof of final performance, but it’s real enough to be baked into a release candidate. A video doesn’t end up in a developer build by accident.
B798
This is a separate project with a different codename and a later timeline, expected in 2027. Bloomberg reported on it, but it hasn’t shown up in code with the same level of detail as B790. Two camera AirPods projects running concurrently suggests Apple is iterating fast: a first-gen version this fall, then a more advanced version next year.
Home Accessories Ecosystem
The macOS 26.7 RC reveals five home accessories: the Home Hub (J490/J491), HomePod mini 2 (B525), J229 sensor device, tabletop robot (J595), and the Pebble homeOS.
Home Hub (J490/J491)
Two variants of the home hub show up in the code. J490 is the base version with a stand, it sits on your counter or shelf. J491 is the wall-mountable version, probably the one you’d put in the kitchen like a smart display. Think desk lamp versus wall sconce.
Rumors say it’ll have a 7-inch display, run homeOS, and have a dashboard similar to iPhone’s StandBy mode. The code mentions Siri setup for J490, so there’s definitely some kind of Siri onboarding flow. Expected September 2026 alongside the iPhones.
HomePod mini 2 (B525)
The current HomePod mini is codenamed B520. The successor is B525, a clear five-step generational bump in Apple’s internal numbering. What’s interesting is the software: B525 is explicitly running something called “Argentium.” That’s not just a project name; it’s the firmware or OS variant that’ll ship on it.
The current guess is it’ll support the updated Siri with Apple Intelligence, finally making the mini a genuinely context-aware smart speaker. Expected fall 2026.
J229 Sensor Device
This one’s been spotted before in iOS 26 code by Macworld. J229 is a device with multiple sensors that can detect alarm sounds (think smoke alarms) and capture images. Still, hidden device identifiers in a new iMac Pro leak macOS 26.7 point to a revived iMac Pro, so it’s probably a security camera or a sensor hub that talks to the home hub. Still unclear whether it’s a standalone product or an accessory.
Tabletop Robot (J595)
Yes, Apple is making a robot. J595 shows up as HomeAccessory17,3, same family as the home hub but different form factor. It’s described as a tabletop robot, so it sits on your desk or counter rather than rolling around the floor. What it actually does is anyone’s guess at this point.
Pebble and homeOS
Bloomberg previously reported that Pebble is Apple’s internal codename for homeOS, the operating system that runs on the home hub. This RC confirms that naming. homeOS isn’t a separate platform; it’s the software that powers the home accessory family.
Mystery Colors and Audio Accessory Visual Reasoning
The code lists four colors: Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight. They’re for some home accessory, but we don’t know which one, could be the HomePod mini 2, the home hub, or something else entirely. There’s also a string about “Audio Accessory Visual Reasoning,” which sounds like a device that can see and reason about what it’s hearing. It’s just a string in the code, not a full feature description, but it’s a strong hint about where Apple’s home audio is headed.
iPhone Lineup
All the V-series codenames that were previously spotted in iOS 27 code have now appeared in macOS 26.7, giving us a clearer picture of Apple’s launch strategy in this Apple macOS 26.7 leak new products.
iPhone 18 Pro (V63) and iPhone 18 Pro Max (V64)
These are the obvious September 2026 launches. The Pro models follow the usual cadence.
iPhone 18 (V67)
The base iPhone 18 won’t arrive until spring2027. That’s a departure from the usual September rhythm for the standard model.
iPhone Air 2 (V62)
The follow up to the ultra thin iPhone Air is also spring2027. A mid cycle refresh, not part of the fall wave.
Foldable iPhone Ultra (V68)
This is the big one: Apple’s first foldable phone, expected September2026 alongside the Pro models. Macworld identified it as the foldable iPhone Ultra, placing it as the premium tier above the Pro Max.
The staggered launch is the interesting strategic signal here. Apple appears to be decoupling the Pro and foldable lineup from the standard and Air lineup, moving to two iPhone launches per year instead of one.
Mac and iPad Updates
The macOS 26.7 RC contains codenames for several upcoming Macs and iPads, spanning incremental chip upgrades and more significant display overhauls.
Entry Level 14 Inch MacBook Pro (J804)
The current M5 MacBook Pro is J704. The successor J804 brings the M6 chip and is expected before the end of the year, alongside a refreshed Mac mini with M4 Pro that appears in the macOS 26.7 leak new Mac mini. It’s an incremental update, not a design overhaul.
New iMac Models (J833/J834)
Bloomberg reported these codenames. We don’t know if they’re different sizes or just spec bumps, but the all in one is getting a refresh.
Higher End OLED MacBook Pro (K series)
The K114c, K114s, K116c, and K116s codenames are likely the higher end MacBook Pro models with OLED displays. The c and s suffixes probably indicate different sizes or configurations. This is a bigger deal than the M6 update, an OLED MacBook Pro would be a major display upgrade after years of mini LED.
Next Gen iPad mini (J510/J511)
The small tablet is getting a refresh with an OLED display and A19 Pro chip. That’s a significant upgrade from the current model, which still uses an LCD panel. Expected fall2026 or before the end of the year.
Apple Intelligence in China. Writing Tools Restrictions
Writing Tools (Apple Intelligence’s text features) are coming to China, but with a moderation system that’s revealed in detail by the code. A key string indicates that usage becomes temporarily restricted after repeated safety alerts, rather than a permanent block. It’s a tiered restriction system. There are also strings like Unable to edit this text. %1$@ may be able to help with this type of content and “Content safety update required. iPhone will be able to use Writing Tools once the automatic update completes.”
The mechanism is interesting: temporary suspensions after multiple triggers, automatic safety updates, and different error messages for different content types. It’s a compliance framework, not a simple on/off switch. This suggests Apple is building a moderation layer that can adapt without requiring full software updates.
Other Accessories and Unknown Model Numbers
Beyond the major product categories, the RC also reveals new model identifiers for accessories and audio devices, alongside a large set of unidentified hardware numbers.
Apple TV Remote (ATVRemote1,5)
A new remote model identifier. Previous rumors suggested the next Apple TV would come with an updated remote, so this lines up.
AirPods Pro 4 (AirPodsPro1,4) and AirPod3,5
The current AirPods Pro 3 are AirPodsPro1,3. The jump to 1,4 is a direct successor. There’s also AirPod3,5, which could be a non Pro AirPods variant.
Beats Headphones (B518 and B522)
Two new Beats models are in the works, but we don’t know if they’re over ear, on ear, or something else.
Unknown Model Numbers
There’s a bunch of A series model numbers. A3436 through A3577, that don’t correspond to any Apple product you can buy today. Same for Device1,8234 through Device1,8248. That’s 25+ mystery identifiers.
They could be prototypes, canceled projects, or products we haven’t heard rumors about yet. The volume of unknowns suggests Apple has more in development than the rumor mill has caught.
What This Leak Means
Here’s the rough timeline these leaks add up to:
- September2026: iPhone18 Pro, iPhone18 Pro Max, foldable iPhone Ultra, B790 camera AirPods, Home Hub, HomePod mini2
- Fall2026 (before end of year): M6 MacBook Pro, new iMacs, iPad mini with OLED
- Spring2027: iPhone Air2, iPhone18
- 2027: B798 camera AirPods (advanced version)
- Unknown timeline: N109 headset (if it launches at all), mysterious model numbers
A macOS release candidate isn’t supposed to spill this much. But here we are, a demo video, code strings that confirm camera streaming from earbuds, a full iPhone lineup with a new launch strategy, and more unknown devices than any single leak has turned up in years. The treasure map is drawn. Now we just wait to see which of these actually ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some iPhone 18 models launching later than others?
Apple is shifting to a staggered launch strategy: the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable Ultra arrive in September 2026, while the base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 won’t ship until spring 2027. This decouples the Pro and standard lineups into two launch cycles per year.
What is the N109 headset?
The N109 is a codename for an Apple AR/VR headset found in macOS code, but it’s unclear whether it’s a second-generation Vision Pro or a cheaper variant that may have been canceled. The code shows active development testing, but conflicting reports mean we don’t know which version will actually ship.
