Future Apple Watch iterations may incorporate cameras, aligning with the company’s strategic AI initiatives.

Future Apple Watch Models May Include Cameras as Part of Apple’s AI Push

• According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing future Apple Watch models with integrated cameras, aiming to enhance the device’s capabilities as an AI-powered wearable and leverage its Visual Intelligence technology.

• This initiative involves incorporating cameras into both standard and Ultra Apple Watch models; the standard model’s camera might be embedded within the display, while the Ultra model’s camera would be positioned on the side for easier use.

• Apple plans to transition its Visual Intelligence technology away from reliance on external AI models like ChatGPT and Google’s, aiming to utilize its own in-house AI models, with the camera-equipped Apple Watches and AirPods potentially launching as early as 2027, pending the success of Apple’s internal AI development.

Apple is reportedly developing future models of the Apple Watch that will feature cameras as part of an initiative to enhance the device’s AI capabilities. This information comes from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who emphasizes that these advancements are set to help the Apple Watch “see the outside world.” The company’s ongoing work with Visual Intelligence technology, currently reliant on external AI models like those from ChatGPT and Google, aims to integrate its own AI models into upcoming devices, including the Apple Watch and AirPods.

For the standard Apple Watch, the camera is expected to be embedded within the display, akin to the technology seen in iPhones. However, it’s uncertain whether the design will use under-display technology or require a camera cutout. In contrast, the Ultra model will have the camera positioned on the side of the watch, adjacent to the digital crown and side button, allowing users a more convenient way to point their wrist for scanning.

While these camera-equipped Apple Watches are not expected to be released until at least 2027, along with the anticipated camera-enabled AirPods, much depends on the progress of Apple’s AI teams, particularly following a recent executive reshuffle. The introduction of these features is part of Apple’s broader strategy to place Visual Intelligence at the core of its future devices, ultimately moving away from external AI dependencies.

Overall, Apple is focused on enhancing its AI capabilities across its product range, with significant developments planned for the Apple Watch and AirPods over the next few years.