Apple reportedly wants to put cameras in future Apple Watch versions. This will enable the wearable to “see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information.”
However, Apple needs a few more generations to turn the Apple Watch with cameras into a reality.
Future Apple Watch could pack a camera
Apple currently equips its iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks with built-in cameras, with only the iPhone using them for AI features. With Visual Intelligence, you can point the iPhone 16’s camera at an object to get more information about it.
Reports suggest Apple will integrate IR cameras into a future AirPods model. Among other things, this will enable the earbuds to support in-air gestures. This will allow you to control music playback with hand movements.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of his weekly Power On newsletter, claims Apple will add cameras to future Apple Watch models as well. With AI assistance and input from the camera, the smartwatch could provide relevant, contextual information.
“As part of this plan, Apple is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models. The current idea is to put the camera inside the display of the Series version, like the front-facing lens on the iPhone. The Ultra will take a different approach, with the camera lens sitting on the side of the watch near the crown and button,” says Gurman.
Visual Intelligence will power visual AI features
Apple will seemingly be able to put the camera on the side of the Ultra because of more internal space. This will let users point the watch’s camera at an object to access more information. However, do not expect to use the camera for making FaceTime calls.
The report claims that Apple will heavily rely on Visual Intelligence to power such AI features on its future devices. While the feature may not impress you in its current iteration, the company has big plans for it.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
