In a strategic move to enhance the Apple Watch’s capabilities as an AI-driven wearable, Apple is developing a range of future Apple Watch models that will incorporate cameras. This innovation aims to enable the device to “observe the outside world,” as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
This push towards AI is aligned with Apple’s existing Visual Intelligence technology, which they also plan to integrate into AirPods. Currently, Visual Intelligence depends significantly on tools like ChatGPT and Google. However, Gurman indicates that Apple aims to develop these capabilities in-house:
Apple’s overarching vision for Visual Intelligence extends well beyond the iPhone. The company intends to centralize this feature within future devices, including the camera-equipped AirPods that I’ve been discussing for quite some time. In the process, Apple aims to transition Visual Intelligence to rely on its own AI models, moving away from collaboration with OpenAI and Google.
Regarding Apple Watch models featuring cameras, Gurman notes that Apple is exploring this for both the standard and ultra versions of the watch. For the standard Apple Watch, the camera would likely be integrated into the display, similar to the design seen in iPhones. It remains uncertain whether this would employ under-display technology or if a camera cutout would be needed.
For the Ultra model, the camera is expected to be positioned on the side of the watch, adjacent to the digital crown and side button, taking advantage of the additional space available. Gurman suggests that Ultra users would find it easier to point their wrist at objects for scanning purposes.
According to Gurman, this new Apple Watch is not anticipated to launch until at least 2027, coinciding with the rumored introduction of AirPods with cameras. The timeline for these developments largely depends on Apple’s AI teams aligning their efforts, especially following recent executive changes within the team.
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