Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has detailed Apple's rumored hardware roadmap for 2027, painting a picture of significant product expansion anchored around AI-powered audio, foldable phones, and a flagship anniversary model.
The most novel entry is a camera-equipped refresh of AirPods, scheduled for late 2027. According to Gurman, the devices will house cameras in their stems and include LED lights to signal when data is being uploaded to the cloud. The primary function is to provide Apple's voice assistant Siri with visual context about the wearer's surroundings—a capability that positions the AirPods as a precursor to Apple's long-anticipated smart glasses. Internally, Apple is testing these earbuds alongside iOS 28, the operating system expected to arrive next year.
On the phone front, Apple plans to release a second-generation foldable iPhone in 2027, following a first-generation model expected to launch this fall. Gurman frames the second iteration as evidence of Apple's commitment to the foldable category, though he does not detail specific improvements or specifications for the sequel.
Also planned for 2027 are two anniversary iPhone models, internally referred to as V73 and V74. These phones will follow the 2027 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max lineup, offering similar sizes but introducing a "nearly edge-to-edge display with curved glass that wraps around the sides." The standard iPhone 18 base model may not launch until 2027, running on an A20 series chip—the same generation planned for phones releasing later this fall. By contrast, the 2027 flagships will jump to a 2nm A21 chip, with the A22 Pro targeting 1.4nm manufacturing. Apple is reportedly "considering" using Intel for some production capacity alongside its primary partner, TSMC.
These announcements align with years of rumor cycles forecasting the arrival of what some have termed the "iPhone Air"—a slimmer variant positioned between the standard and Pro lines.
However, significant uncertainties shadow these plans. John Ternus recently assumed the CEO role at Apple, and the company faces a looming RAM and component shortage. History suggests that even well-sourced roadmap leaks can shift in response to leadership transitions, supply-chain disruptions, and competitive pressure. Gurman's report should be read as Apple's current planning, not as guaranteed product releases.