macOS Tahoe 26.7 Leak Reveals Codenames for Foldable iPhone and Camera AirPods

The release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7 has leaked a series of internal codenames and feature flags, exposing Apple's development pipeline for several unreleased hardware products. These references, discovered by data miners within the developer build, span multiple product categories including iPhones and AirPods.

According to reports from MacRumors and Engadget, the leak explicitly identifies the codenames for the upcoming iPhone 18 series. The internal strings list V63 as the iPhone 18 Pro, V64 as the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and V67 as the standard iPhone 18. Most notably, the leak includes a reference to V68, which is associated with a foldable device or an "iPhone Ultra," providing concrete evidence for a long-rumored shift in Apple's smartphone form factor.

The Hardware Roadmap

Beyond the smartphone lineup, the macOS build contains specific references to new audio hardware. Codenames for AirPods with integrated cameras have surfaced under the designation B790. This project appears distinct from the B798 model previously rumored for 2027. The evidence for the camera functionality is found in a specific error string within the code: "B790 start image stream failed for left bud," as first reported by MacRumors.

Apple typically seeds release candidates to developers before a public rollout. These builds often contain "feature flags"—bits of code that enable or disable functions—and internal strings for hardware still in the prototyping phase. Because these builds must support future devices for compatibility reasons, they frequently serve as a goldmine for analysts attempting to predict Apple's launch calendar.

Industry Implications

This leak is significant because it validates high-profile rumors regarding Apple's expansion into new categories. The confirmation of the V68 "Ultra" codename suggests that a foldable iPhone is no longer a theoretical project but is actively being integrated into the software ecosystem. Similarly, the "image stream" code for the B790 AirPods indicates that Apple is moving toward wearable visual capture, potentially bridging the gap between traditional AirPods and augmented reality glasses.

What to Watch

While the codenames provide a glimpse into the future, the exact release dates for these devices remain unconfirmed. The presence of these strings in a 2026 macOS build suggests a rollout spanning late 2026 and 2027. Industry observers will be looking for further confirmation of these hardware specs in upcoming iOS betas and during Apple's traditional September hardware events to see which of these codenames translate into consumer products.