Apple is reportedly developing Apple Watches with built-in cameras to support AI features. These camera-enabled watches could be available as early as 2027, according to Mark Gurman, a credible source from his newsletter. The cameras would be integrated into both the standard Series watches and the Ultra models.
In the Series watches, the camera might be placed within the display, while in the Ultra models, it could be located on the side near the digital crown and button. The purpose of adding cameras to Apple Watches is to enhance their functionality with AI capabilities, dubbed Visual Intelligence. This feature would allow users to obtain instant information about objects or their surroundings by simply pointing the camera at them.
Apple is also working on AirPods with built-in cameras for similar AI purposes. These camera-equipped AirPods are expected to be released around the same time as the new Apple Watches, creating a comprehensive suite of AI-driven wearable technology. This move demonstrates Apple’s continued efforts to incorporate advanced AI features across its product line, potentially transforming how users interact with and gather information from their devices.
However, consumers should not expect the next generation of Apple Watches, the Series 11 and Ultra 3, to include cameras when they are released this fall.
Apple Watch camera integration
Reports suggest that these upcoming models will likely feature incremental upgrades over the current versions, with no cameras yet.
Apple has been facing challenges in keeping up with its competitors in terms of AI advancements. Rivals such as Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Gemini for Android devices, and Samsung’s Galaxy AI have been leading the way in integrating more advanced AI features. Upgrades to Apple’s Siri AI assistant have been delayed until this year, despite initially being promised for 2025.
Robby Walker, head of Siri at Apple, described these delays and missteps as “ugly,” particularly after the company had aggressively advertised Siri’s capabilities. These struggles have led to significant changes within Apple. CEO Tim Cook has reportedly replaced John Giannandrea, the former head of search and AI at Google, with Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell to oversee Siri operations.
According to Siri co-designer Julia, who was associated with SRI International before Apple acquired Siri in 2010, Apple’s pursuit of perfection may be hindering efforts to launch an improved version of Siri more quickly. They are falling behind because of this fear of not being perfect,” Julia noted, adding that Siri was initially championed by Steve Jobs. While Apple’s plans for camera-equipped Watches signal exciting future technological advancements, the company continues to face challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Image Credits: Photo by Daniel Cañibano on Unsplash
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
