Apple Watch is getting a camera

Apple Watch Ultra 2. Photo: Bloomberg .

In Bloomberg 's Power On newsletter, analyst Mark Gurman said Apple is developing an Apple Watch with a camera, serving object recognition and analysis.

According to the original concept, the device is expected to use cameras and microphones to analyze and provide context based on the wearer's surroundings using AI.

This mechanism works similarly to Visual Intelligence. First appearing on the iPhone 16, this feature allows you to hold down Camera Control, then take a photo of any object to analyze with Google Lens or ChatGPT. This mode can also summarize, translate text, and identify specific objects and locations.

Currently, not many people know about Visual Intelligence because this feature only supports iPhone 16. In the iOS 18.4 update, Apple plans to bring Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro, supporting activation with the Action button.

According to rumors, Apple plans to expand Visual Intelligence to more devices, including AirPods and the Apple Watch with built-in cameras. The company also wants to use its own AI models, instead of relying on OpenAI and Google.

If the rumors are true, this would be Apple’s first step into the AI wearables market. The AI wearables market has been bustling in recent years with the launch of the Humane AI Pin (which failed), Meta smart glasses...

“Similar to future AirPods, the camera will help the Apple Watch see the world , using AI to provide relevant information,” Gurman said. However, the product may not launch until at least 2027.

According to the current plan, Apple plans to add cameras to the Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch Ultra. With the Series, the lens may be on the front like the iPhone's selfie camera, while the Ultra is expected to place the camera on the side, near the Digital Crown.

“Apple may consider this approach because the Apple Watch Ultra is thicker, which allows for more space for components. That means Ultra wearers can easily angle their wrists to scan objects, while Apple Watch Series users have to turn their wrists upside down,” Gurman said.

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Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16. Photo: Hindustan Times .

The camera on the Apple Watch is likely to be used only for Visual Intelligence. Bloomberg 's writer believes that FaceTime video calling will not be possible because the watch screen is too small, and raising the wrist for a long time can be uncomfortable.

Overall, Apple is pursuing a different strategy. Instead of launching a whole new category of devices, the company is adding AI to its existing product lines. This means users will still have a familiar experience while gradually getting used to new features.

“Of course, Apple needs to seriously upgrade its AI system to make the features more useful. The company is fully capable of completing that by 2027, when AirPods and Apple Watch with integrated cameras are expected to launch,” Gurman emphasized.