Apple’s macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate contains embedded code references to multiple unreleased products arriving as soon as September, including camera-equipped AirPods, a new home hub with display, updated HomePod mini, and an expanded iPhone lineup. The breadth of discoveries indicates Apple is preparing a major product refresh across hardware categories over the next two months.
Codenames and References: Complete List
As reported by MacRumors, The macOS 26.7 release candidate contains the following codenames and device identifiers for unreleased products:
Home Ecosystem
- J490: Home Hub base version
- J491: Home Hub wall-mounted variant
- J229: Home accessory (purpose unclear)
- HomeAccessory17,2: Home device (purpose unclear)
- HomeAccessory17,3: Home device (purpose unclear)
- B525: HomePod mini (replaces current B520)
- Pebble: Apple’s new homeOS operating system
AirPods and Audio
- B790: Camera-equipped AirPods (separate from B798 project)
- B798: Camera-equipped AirPods variant (rumored for 2027)
- AirPodsPro1,4: Fourth-generation AirPods Pro
- B518: Upcoming Beats headphones
- B522: Upcoming Beats headphones
iPhone and iPad
- iPhone 18 Pro: September 2026 lineup
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: September 2026 lineup
- iPhone Ultra: September 2026 lineup
- V62: iPhone Air 2 (expected spring 2027)
- V63: iPhone Pro models
Vision and TV
- N109: Headset (identified as second-generation Vision Pro or cheaper Vision Pro variant)
- ATVRemote1,5: New Apple TV remote
Operating Systems and Software
- macOS Tahoe 26.7: Release candidate containing discoveries
- Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence feature arriving in China with temporary restrictions
Camera AirPods Get Their Clearest Confirmation Yet
A video embedded in the macOS 26.7 release candidate demonstrates Visual Intelligence in action on camera-equipped AirPods. In the demo, a person holds up a book so the AirPods’ camera can see the title, with Siri providing information about it. This is the first time Apple has shown camera AirPods functioning in an official build, indicating the product is expected to launch at September’s iPhone event.
The camera AirPods identified as codename B790 represent a separate hardware project distinct from the B798 model previously rumored for 2027. The B790 hardware is closer to production and has been listed internally as a candidate to ship before year’s end. Rather than recording photos or video, the sensors feed a live view of the wearer’s surroundings directly to Siri, enabling the assistant to answer questions about the environment. An alert system warns users if hair covers the AirPods, stating: “To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered.”
Apple had originally planned to release camera AirPods in the first half of 2026 but delayed the launch until an intelligence-enhanced version of Siri was ready. With that Siri now in beta, the inclusion of camera AirPods demos in a release candidate indicates imminent availability.
Home Hub Details: Display Size, Chip, and Form Factors
The macOS build reveals a new home hub with a 6-inch to 7-inch square display running on an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence support. The device can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall, with two codenames identified: J490 for the base version and J491 for the wall-mounted variant. The hub will handle FaceTime calls and serve as a central control point for HomeKit.
Home accessory colors discovered in the code include Rose Pink, Silver, market Gray, and Starlight. The hub runs “Pebble,” confirmed as Apple’s new homeOS operating system. Additional home devices with codenames J229, HomeAccessory17,2, and HomeAccessory17,3 appear in the code, though their specific purposes remain unclear.
The code also references a new HomePod mini with codename B525, replacing the current B520 model. Apple’s home system expansion indicates multiple accessory announcements alongside the primary hub.
Expanded AirPods and Audio Product Lines
Beyond camera AirPods, the release candidate includes references to fourth-generation AirPods Pro (codename AirPodsPro1,4) and upcoming Beats headphones with codenames B518 and B522. The breadth of audio product updates indicates a broader refresh of Apple’s wearable audio portfolio.
iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro References
Codename references confirm the expected September lineup: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra. IPhone Air 2 with codename V62 is expected in spring 2027, while the Pro models carry codename V63.
A headset with codename N109 appears in the code. Bloomberg has identified it as a second-generation Vision Pro, while The Information reported it could be a cheaper Vision Pro variant. A new Apple TV remote (ATVRemote1,5) was also referenced, suggesting an updated remote is expected to ship with the next Apple TV generation.
Two-Event Fall Strategy Likely
The volume of unreleased products suggests Apple will hold a second fall event in October or November to announce MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad mini, and home accessories. The September iPhone event will focus on the new phone models and camera AirPods, while a later event clears the announcement calendar for remaining hardware.
The macOS 26.7 release candidate also contains references to Writing Tools arriving in China with temporary restrictions due to safety alerts, indicating Apple is preparing localized versions of Apple Intelligence for additional markets. These are functional references in shipping software, meaning most of these devices are weeks or months away from announcement.
