Apple Exploring Camera-Equipped Apple Watches to Enhance AI Capabilities

Apple has faced its fair share of adversity with its AI development, but that’s not stopping Cupertino from experimenting with new ideas. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring the idea of adding cameras to its Apple Watch series, which would bring visual intelligence features to its smartwatches. Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing AirPods with a built-in camera for the same purpose, and he notes this week that these are expected to launch around the same time as the camera-equipped Apple Watches.

The Apple Watch, known for its health tracking and connectivity features, may soon include a camera to enhance its functionality. Camera placement would likely vary among the different watch models. According to Gurman, the Series watches could get a camera in the display, while the camera in the Ultra would be on the side of the device, next to the digital crown and button.

Apple plans to release camera-equipped AI wearables by 2027, says Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The cameras will be “inside the display” for the standard Series Watch, while the Apple Watch Ultra would feature it on the side. With these additions, the Apple Watch would be able to “see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information,” which he says is also the plan for camera-equipped AirPods that Apple is rumored to be working on.

Apple’s AI Vision for Wearables

Apple’s recent focus on artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role in this development. The integration of cameras could introduce AI-powered features such as:

Enhanced Health Monitoring: AI-assisted facial analysis could improve sleep tracking and emotional well-being assessments.

Gesture-Based Controls: Users may be able to navigate the Apple Watch using hand gestures detected by the camera.

On-Wrist FaceTime Calls: A front-facing camera could make it possible to conduct FaceTime calls without needing an iPhone.

Augmented Reality (AR) Support: Apple could leverage cameras to provide AR-based applications, complementing its Vision Pro headset.

The Visual Intelligence features that these devices would use debuted on the iPhone 16, where it works with the phone’s camera to do things like add details from an event flyer to your calendar or look up information about a restaurant. It’s underpinned by AI models from other companies, but Gurman writes that Apple hopes to power the feature with its own in-house models by 2027, when he says the company plans to release these new Apple Watches and AirPods.

While the prospect of an Apple Watch with a camera sounds promising, it raises concerns about privacy and practicality. Wearable cameras may spark privacy debates regarding surveillance and misuse. Apple will likely implement strict security measures, such as on-device processing and user consent notifications, to address these concerns.

Additionally, battery life and waterproofing could pose challenges. A built-in camera would require additional power, and Apple would need to ensure that it does not compromise the device’s durability or battery efficiency.

Potential Release Timeline

According to Bloomberg and other sources, Apple could introduce these camera-equipped Apple Watches by 2027. This timeline suggests that Apple is still in the research and development phase, working on integrating AI and camera technologies seamlessly.