Following the news of a camera addition to AirPods, Apple is now reportedly working on adding a camera to the Apple Watch, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Apple is said to be developing multiple Apple Watch models with built-in cameras. In the S series, the camera will be located on the watch’s screen, while the Ultra series will feature the camera on the right side of the device, near the digital crown.
However, this camera is not intended for traditional photography or video calls like FaceTime. Instead, it will serve a different purpose, primarily focused on artificial intelligence (AI) functions.
Apple has been investing heavily in AI technology in recent years. The camera on the Apple Watch is expected to be used for “visual intelligence” features, a technology already available on the iPhone. Visual intelligence allows a device to identify objects using AI combined with the device’s camera. For example, users can quickly gather information about items, such as prices and purchase options, by simply scanning them. The feature can also display restaurant menus or even translate text. These same capabilities are expected to be integrated into the Apple Watch.
For instance, wearing an Apple Watch with a camera, users could point their watch at a restaurant to instantly see ratings, prices, and other relevant details. However, this added functionality could significantly impact battery life, already a concern for the device. With the current need to charge the Apple Watch daily without AI features, the addition of AI capabilities and a camera could worsen battery performance.
Similarly, Apple’s micro camera in the AirPods is not designed for photography. Instead, it functions more like an infrared sensor, akin to the Face ID technology on iPhones. This sensor can track user movements, enabling gesture control and integration with other Apple devices like the iPhone, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch for enhanced AI features. Overall, Apple appears focused on embedding AI more deeply into its future products.
Despite these advancements, Apple is still playing catch-up in the AI space compared to its competitors. While it’s unclear whether these AI features will allow Apple to surpass others, the introduction of cameras into wearable devices raises important privacy concerns. Ensuring user privacy should be a priority as Apple continues to explore AI integration in its products.
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