Apple may be working on Apple Watches with cameras for 2027

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As part of its AI wearable push, Apple is reportedly working on several Apple Watch models with built-in cameras and AI features, to be pushed out by 2027, reports Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The report follows Gurman’s earlier reports that Apple is also working on adding cameras and AI features to AirPods.

He predicts that Apple’s eventual plan is to add micro cameras to its wearables to support the rollout of visual AI features, which is kind of comparable to the Visual Intelligence feature that rolled out alongside the iPhone 16 series. 

Apple Watches with cameras won’t arrive until 2027, maybe alongside AirPods with cameras 

As for Apple Watch models with cameras, in his weekly Power On newsletter, journalist Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working on both its standard Series Watch and top-notch Ultra Watch models.

With the standard Series Watch, the camera will be embedded in the display itself—similar to an iPhone. However, at this point, it is unclear if Apple will use any under-display tech or a cutout for the camera. 

Meanwhile, on the high-end Ultra Watch, the company plans to add a camera right next to the digital crown and side button.

Apple is likely adding the camera to the side of the Ultra Watch as it has more space to play with. Gurman even adds that Ultra watch users will have an easier time pointing and scanning things. 

As for the Visual Intelligence-like feature, Gurman reveals that the feature would allow users to get AI-generated information on the world around them. 

Right now, Visual Intelligence relies heavily on ChatGPT and Google. According to Gurman, the company wants to shift Visual Intelligence toward its own AI models. 

Apple’s ultimate plan for Visual Intelligence goes far beyond the iPhone. The company wants to put the feature at the core of future devices, including the camera-equipped AirPods that I’ve been writing about for several months. Along the way, Apple also wants to shift Visual Intelligence toward its own AI models, rather than those from OpenAI and Google.

While Apple’s goal is to push Visual intelligence beyond the iPhone, the Visual Intelligence that will eventually make its way to the Apple Watches may be far different from what we have now.

According to Gurman, the Apple Watch with cameras won’t arrive until 2027, alongside AirPods with cameras.

What do you think about Apple Watch getting this upgrade? Do you think it’ll be a good addition or does it feel unnecessary? Tell us below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.