A newly discovered reference within Apple’s iOS 27 software has fueled speculation that the company is developing another wearable device equipped with a camera.

The discovery was made by X user @samhenrigold, who identified a previously unknown model number, B790, within the iOS 27 source code. Although the reference provides few details about the hardware itself, it indicates the device is compatible with Apple’s Visual Intelligence technology.

Visual Intelligence is one of Apple’s latest artificial intelligence features, allowing users to point a camera at objects, landmarks, text or logos and ask Siri for information about what is being viewed. The feature is currently available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models running iOS 27.

Because Visual Intelligence relies on image recognition, the appearance of the new device within the software strongly suggests it will include an integrated camera. Beyond that, Apple has not revealed any information about the product, leaving its identity open to speculation.

Industry observers believe the mysterious hardware could be an early version of Apple’s long-rumoured smart glasses, which are expected to combine augmented reality features with AI-powered visual recognition. Others suggest it could relate to another wearable category, although recent reports indicate Apple has paused development of camera-equipped AirPods, making that possibility appear less likely.

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The reference offers no clues about the device’s design, display or launch timeframe, but its inclusion within iOS 27 suggests Apple is already laying the software foundations for future hardware capable of supporting advanced visual AI features.

Apple has been steadily expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities across iPhone, iPad and Mac, with Visual Intelligence becoming one of the company’s headline features. Extending that technology to wearable devices would allow users to interact with their surroundings more naturally through voice commands and real-time image recognition.

As with many software discoveries found before an official announcement, there is no guarantee the device will reach the market. Apple frequently tests hardware and software features internally before deciding whether they become commercial products.

For now, the B790 model remains a mystery, but the latest discovery provides another indication that Apple’s wearable ambitions could extend well beyond the Apple Watch and existing AirPods lineup.

Featured photo by Alex Shuper