Apple's Vision for AI-Powered Wearables: Cameras Coming to Apple Watches by 2027

Apple Watches May Get Built-In Cameras to Support AI Features

Expertise I have more than 30 years' experience in journalism in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Apple is working to add cameras to the Apple Watch in the next two years to enable artificial intelligence features such as Apple Intelligence, according to a report Sunday from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company is currently considering the addition of cameras to its standard Series watches and Ultra models by 2027, according to Gurman, an Apple commentator with a reliable track record. The report comes as smartphone makers like Apple, Google and Samsung place a growing emphasis on AI features in their latest devices. "The current idea is to put the camera inside the display of the Series version, like the front-facing lens on the iPhone," Gurman wrote in his weekly newsletter. The camera lens on the Ultra would have a slightly different placement, sitting on the side of the watch near the crown and button, he wrote. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Apple Intelligence, which debuted with the iOS 18.1 update in October, offers a visual search tool that can help identify objects and places around you and surface any relevant information. Gurman reported in December that Apple was exploring the possibility of adding temperature sensors and other physiological measurements to the AirPods. Both he and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also reported that Apple was working on adding infrared cameras to future AirPods by 2026. The IR cameras could be used in multiple ways, the report details: they could be used for in-air hand gesture detection, work with devices like the Apple Vision Pro to enhance spatial audio or detect environmental changes for software including the new Apple Intelligence.

Apple May Add Cameras and AI to Apple Watches by 2027

Columnist Mark Gurman expects the camera-equipped watches to be out sometime in 2027 at the soonest. As part of this plan, Apple is mulling adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and its higher-end Ultra models. On the Series watches, Apple plans to put the camera inside the device's display itself, while on the larger Ultra model, the camera will lie on the side of the watch, next to the side button. The reports follow Gurman's earlier reports that Apple was also considering adding cameras and AI features to its AirPods in July 2024. Gurman predicts Apple's eventual plan is for micro cameras to support the rollout of visual AI features, comparable to Apple's Visual Intelligence feature, which debuted alongside the iPhone 16. These features allow users to get AI-generated information on the world around them. For example, pointing the camera at a flower and getting an AI description of the breed of flower and more information about it. Ultimately, Apple plans for Visual Intelligence to go "far beyond the iPhone," according to Gurman, and to eventually be "at the core of future devices." But the Visual Intelligence that could eventually make its way to Apple Watch might be far different from what's available today, at least under the hood. "Apple also wants to shift Visual Intelligence toward its own AI models, rather than those from OpenAI and Google," said Gurman. The jury is out on whether Visual Intelligence will do much to win over potential Apple Watch or AirPod buyers. A December survey by Sellcell.com found that 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung users say the AI features available to them "add little to no value, highlighting widespread apathy across both brands." If you don't own an iPhone 16, and you can't wait until Visual Intelligence features make their way to Apple's wearables, Apple plans to bring the feature to the iPhone 15 Pro in next month's iOS 18.4 update, according to Gurman.

Apple's Latest AI Strategy: Cameras in Your Ears -- And Everywhere

Apple Intelligence has had a rocky rollout, but Cupertino's AI plans are more ambitious than a revamped Siri. As Bloomberg reports, Apple is planning to put cameras in its wearables by 2027, so you can talk to Siri about what you see, starting with AirPods and the Apple Watch. This Visual Intelligence effort started with the iPhone 16's Camera Control button, which opens the Camera app and offers an AI-powered explanation of what it sees. Tell it to translate a sign or ask ChatGPT about a landmark in the park, for example. Apple's plans for Visual Intelligence go "far beyond the iPhone," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and will eventually be "at the core of future devices." It's all about a future where interacting with AI is more hands-free and integrated naturally into your life. No need to look at a screen, type to a chatbot, or upload a photo. It's a big gamble, and recent events suggest Apple is struggling to achieve it. While the Vision Pro has top-notch tech, it's expensive and uncomfortable to wear for long stretches. Last we heard, Apple was exploring a more affordable Vision Pro to compete with Meta's VR lineup, though Apple Intelligence is coming to the headset next month. The company's lofty ambitions to revamp Siri into a more humanlike, knowledgeable assistant have been delayed multiple times; it too might not arrive until 2027. Apple Intelligence's lackluster debut prompted a lawsuit claiming false advertising, and Tim Cook has shuffled the execs leading Apple's AI team. Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell is now in charge of Siri; can he create a more consumer-friendly version of the Vision Pro with a new Siri baked in? While the idea of earbuds with cameras is innovative, Apple is playing catch-up with this concept of camera-based intelligence. Meta has already found success with its Ray-Ban glasses and has lofty ambitions to evolve them. Google is also further along. It has offered Lens for years and is moving ahead with Project Astra; it recently released screen-reading for its Gemini AI. Amazon, meanwhile, previewed Alexa+ last month, which promises more natural conversations, with the ability to discuss what it sees on camera. But like Siri, Alexa+ was also delayed several times before it was announced. It's not easy to create fluid, hands-free assistants with visual capabilities. Will they be worth the wait?

Apple Watches with built-in cameras to support AI features are reportedly in the works

Apple is working on adding cameras to future Apple Watch models in order to make them function more like AI wearables, according to 's Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter. Gurman reports that the company "is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models," with plans for a 2027 launch. The move would allow the Apple Watch to support , which can provide on-the-spot information about whatever the user points the camera at. Gurman reported that Apple is developing 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. 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.

Future Apple Watch could include cameras to power "Visual Intelligence"

Forward-looking: Given the recent disaster that was the Ai Pin, it's easy to imagine that companies would want to steer clear of artificial intelligence wearables. But Apple is reportedly confident it can bring AI features to its smartwatches, thanks to new models that will feature cameras. According to Bloomberg's Apple expert Mark Gurman, the Cupertino giant is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series and Ultra model smartwatches, with plans for a 2027 launch. In the case of the standard Series of Apple Watches, the camera is expected to be placed inside the display, either under it or as a cutout. In the more expensive Ultra models, the camera will be on the side of the smartwatch, which would likely make it easier to point at objects. The addition of the cameras would allow the Apple Watches to support Visual Intelligence, the company's version of Google Lens. It uses cameras and AI to analyze images in real-time, offering helpful information about what the user is capturing in the snap. It's not just Apple Watches that could be getting cameras in the next couple of years. Gurman said Apple want to put Visual Intelligence at the core of its devices, including AirPods - renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made the same prediction last year. Apple currently leverages OpenAI and Google for its Visual Intelligence feature, but it wants to move toward its own AI models in the future, Gurman writes. It's hard to imagine Visual Intelligence being the feature that convinces someone to buy an Apple Watch. The AI wearables market suffered a huge blow with Humane's disastrous Ai Pin. The device was slammed by reviewers upon release last year, and the company shut down the business in February following an acquisition by HP, bricking all the $700 devices in the process. There's also the underwhelming Apple Intelligence itself. The feature has been plagued by delays and criticized for generating incorrect summaries of news headlines. Apple is also facing a false advertising lawsuit for advertising the upgraded AI Siri and postponing the release until next year. The suit claims that Apple's advertisements created the expectation that the Apple Intelligence features would be available upon the iPhone 16's release.

Apple Wants to Turn its Watches Into Wearable AI

Company contemplates packing device that tells time with cameras and 'visual intelligence.' Despite the general failure of wearable AI devices to win over consumers, and Apple's own inability to convince people to use its AI tools, the company is apparently going to try to kill two birds with one stone by turning the Apple Watch into an AI-infused wearable. According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a version of its smartwatch that will be equipped with cameras that will facilitate the expansion of the company's "visual intelligence" features that are currently only available on the latest model of iPhone. Per Bloomberg, the company is working to shoehorn the lenses into both its Series and Ultra models of the Apple Watch, with the Series expected to have a camera inside its display while the Ultra would have its camera on the side of the watch. Through the extra eye, the watch would be able to tap into the company's visual intelligence tools, which can do things like identify objects or translate text in a picture. As far as AI functionality goes, real-time translation has always seemed like one of the most practical features that a device could offer. And because the Apple Watch has an actual purpose beyond just being an AI novelty deviceâ€"something that failed rivals like the Humane Ai Pin cannot claimâ€"it's probably a worthy trojan horse for AI features. Also, as is always the case with these things, it'd help Apple collect way more data to train its own systems. Meta has found some success with its Ray-Ban partnership to produce smartglasses, reportedly selling more than one million pairs, so there is some path for the AI wearable when paired with other purposes. But Apple's having a tough go when it comes to implementing AI features. The company already had to delay the rollout of a smarter Siri because it just couldn't get it to work properly and consumers have largely panned the Apple Intelligence features that they have interacted with, with one survey finding that 73% of iPhone owners reporting the device's AI features to “add little to no value.†The company also has not exactly had luck expanding the functionality of the Apple Watch lately, either. The company has been promising a much-anticipated blood-pressure tracking feature but simply has not been able to crack it. Meanwhile, the company is also reportedly close to ditching a plastic version of the Apple Watch SE that was supposed to help bring the price of the device down. Maybe getting a camera in the Apple Watch will help the company crack some of its other challenges. Or maybe it'll just add more complications to a device that is at its best when it accurately tells time.

Gurman: Future Apple Watch models may include cameras, as part of AI push - 9to5Mac

In a move to position the Apple Watch as more of an AI wearable, Apple is working on multiple versions of future Apple Watch models that include cameras. This will help the device "see the outside world," per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This AI push would go hand in hand with Apple's existing Visual Intelligence technology, which the company also intends to bring to AirPods. Right now, Visual Intelligence heavily relies on ChatGPT and Google. According to Gurman, though, the company wants to bring this work in-house: 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. As for Apple Watch models with cameras, Gurman says Apple is working on it for both standard Apple Watch models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra. With the standard Apple Watch, the camera would be embedded within the display, similar to an iPhone. With the Ultra, the company plans on embedding it on the side of the watch, next to the digital crown and side button. Apple is likely doing this because they have more space to work with.

AirPods and Apple Watch cameras could make Apple Intelligence much smarter

A report earlier this month suggested that Apple is working on embedding cameras into AirPods, followed yesterday by another suggesting the inclusion of Apple Watch cameras too. Apple has for many years been exploring the idea of adding a camera to the Apple Watch, but the latest report suggests a very specific usage ... There are potential arguments for adding a camera to an Apple Watch for conventional applications. For example, some joggers prefer to leave their iPhones and home and rely on a cellular Watch during their runs. A Watch equipped with a camera could be used for impromptu photo opps. Apple is exploring the idea of adding cameras and visual intelligence features to its smartwatch, thrusting the company into the AI wearables market [...] 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. This also ties in with his earlier report on AirPods with cameras. Apple is working on a new version of the AirPods Pro that uses external cameras and artificial intelligence to understand the outside world and provide information to the user. This would essentially be the smart glasses path -- but without actual glasses. The first and most obvious application would be for Visual Intelligence. Currently we have to pull our iPhone out of our pocket and long-press the Camera Control button to "show" Apple Intelligence what it is we're seeing. With forward-facing cameras embedded into AirPods, it might in future be possible to just use a "Hey, Siri" command. Apple Watch usage might not be quite so seamless, especially if the camera is embedded in the display, but could potentially still be more convenient than an iPhone. We've seen a some frankly-silly AI hardware launches, with Jony Ive reportedly seeking a billion-dollar bet for his own attempt. But while the idea of buying and wearing AI-specific hardware is clearly nonsensical, there is one element that might make sense in the devices we already wear: ongoing awareness of where we are and what is in our environment. That is, not just activating the camera when we ask a question, but using periodic photos or short video clips to provide Apple Intelligence with context for where we are and what we're doing. For example, if my Apple device can see that I'm walking into the video games section of the Science Museum, that could provide helpful context for understanding questions I'm likely to ask while I'm there. Knowing where I am and what's around me could instantly make Siri significantly smarter. It could also help Apple Intelligence learn more about the world more generally, just by grabbing snippets of my everyday life. Of course, any unprompted camera use raises privacy concerns. It clearly wouldn't be acceptable for our Apple devices to be grabbing photos and video clips without our knowledge, far less uploading them even to Private Cloud Compute for analysis. But strong privacy protections could potentially make this viable. For example: Would you want that option on your devices, given privacy controls you considered acceptable? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Future Apple Watch models could get a surprising new feature -- what we know

Apple could be making some significant changes to its beloved Apple Watch models soon. Like the rumored cameras coming to the company's AirPods, Apple could be working to add AI-powered cameras to the Apple Watch, though it may not be as helpful as you might hope. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple Watch cameras will let one of the best smartwatches on the market "see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information." As exciting as it sounds, some aspects of this news keep us from getting too overjoyed. First, Gurman said Apple may be a couple of Apple Watch generations away from actually putting this technolgy into a watch. If that's the case, we could be looking at an Apple Watch Series 12 for the release of its AI-powered cameras, if not even longer. According to the report, Apple Watch Ultra and regular models will have different camera locations. "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. The more affordable models will get a front-facing lens, sort of like the selfie camera on the iPhone. The Ultra will have a lens on the watch's side near the crown. Unfortunately, neither model supports FaceTime calling from the wrist. Instead, it'll be a Visual Intelligence lens, allowing you to point your wrist at an object to learn more about it. It'll be interesting to see how it works, assuming it actually happens. After all, if we're still two or more years away, it's always possible Apple's plans could change.

The Apple Watch may get a new life as a camera-equipped AI device

Instead of launching a new device like the Humane AI pin, Apple is exploring ways to build AI into its existing products. As AI continues to dominate Apple's strategic roadmap, a new report indicates the company wants to reimagine the Apple Watch as a camera-equipped AI assistant. The iPhone and Mac ranges have already gained AI features, thanks to the (gradual and frequently delayed) rollout of Apple Intelligence. But these are both products that the owner has to actively bring into use: sitting at a desk, opening a lid, and taking a handset out of a pocket. Whereas futurists believe AI will develop and thrive as a zero-friction technology that's with us all of the time. To an extent this model fits with the concept of the smart speaker, since this is just there; all you need to do is talk to it. But such devices are not portable, which is why we've seen the development of the AI wearable, a dedicated device that is continuously accessible to answer questions and provide information on the world around the user. The two most famous examples so far have been the Humane AI and the Rabbit r1, but neither have been successful. (The YouTuber Marques Brownlee called the former "the worst product I've ever reviewed" and the latter "barely reviewable.") There remains a gap in the market. Apple, according to the latest installment of Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, hopes to fill this vacuum with a future iteration of the Apple Watch. This is an idea I've discussed before, based on the fact that the Apple Watch already has the frictionless omnipresence that AI assistants need, and by contrast with standalone devices like the Humane AI is plugged into a wider ecosystem of messages, calendar entries, and so on. But there are two things preventing the Watch from doing the job convincingly at this point: it doesn't have a camera, which is essential for a lot of visual and geographically contextual queries, and it isn't in line to get the Apple Intelligence-based smarter Siri. The latter remains a troubling head-scratcher, but we'd hope that Siri will get sorted eventually (now that Apple is taking the problem seriously) and that Apple Intelligence will make its way to watchOS within a year or two. And the camera issue is in hand, according to Gurman's sources: "The company is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras," he writes. "As with the future AirPods, this would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information." Gurman claims Apple is working on two different approaches to this: a camera under the display for the standard watches, and a camera lens "sitting on the side of the watch near the crown and button" for the Ultra models. The second design sounds easier for the user, who won't need to bend their wrist to point the camera at relevant objects but is more suitable for a bulkier chassis. The cameras will be there for AI purposes only, so don't expect to be able to use them to capture sharp selfies or have FaceTime conversations; those things may follow but are not the point. For that matter, don't expect any of this to happen this year. Gurman says the development is still multiple generations away from launch.

Apple Watches With Cameras Rumored, But FaceTime Unlikely

Apple is working on multiple new Apple Watch models with built-in cameras for release by 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple plans to add a camera in the screen area on a future Apple Watch Series model. On a future Apple Watch Ultra, he expects the camera to be on the right side of the watch, near the Digital Crown. Gurman does not expect the cameras to enable FaceTime on the Apple Watch. Instead, he said the cameras would enable Visual Intelligence on future Apple Watch models. This feature would allow Apple Watch users to quickly receive information about items or places their surroundings. For example, they could point their Apple Watch at a restaurant to receive its hours or ratings as they pass by on the sidewalk. Visual Intelligence debuted on all iPhone 16 models last year, and it is available on iPhone 15 Pro models starting with iOS 18.4. Apple is also planning to add tiny cameras to future AirPods models, he said. The cameras will bring more AI capabilities to both the Apple Watch and AirPods, allowing Apple to better compete with other AI-powered wearables on the market.

Apple is reportedly planning a huge future Apple Watch upgrade to turn it into an AI device with onboard cameras

It would pave the way for AI-powered visual context features, much like the failed Humane AI Pin While the best Apple Watches coming in 2025 are only expected to add blood pressure monitoring and the odd design tweak, a new report claims Apple is considering adding cameras to both the Series and Ultra versions of its popular smartwatch in the future, turning it into an AI-powered wearable. Writing in his most recent Power On newsletter, the inimitable Apple insider Mark Gurman claims that Apple "is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras." Specifically, he says the company is "considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models." According to Gurman, the upgrade is likely "generations away," so don't expect to be taking selfies on your Apple Watch Ultra 3 anytime soon. So what exactly is Apple planning, and what could it mean for the future of an AI-powered Apple Watch? Gurman delivers his latest big Apple Watch leak in the context of AI wearables. Specifically, he mentions the dismal Humane Ai Pin and Meta's smart glasses. All of these devices use cameras and microphones powered by AI to deliver the wearer context and information about their surroundings. Suppose you see a monumental building on holiday, but you don't know what it is, snap a quick photo and you can get information about who built it, the purpose it serves, and more... that sort of thing. Gurman also specifically references the Visual Intelligence feature in Apple Intelligence, which analyzes photos using ChatGPT or Google Search. In the context of Apple Watch, Gurman indicates onboard cameras and microphones "would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information." In terms of design, he says the Apple Watch Series line would feature a front-facing camera akin to the best iPhones. Meanwhile, the larger Ultra would house a camera lens on the side of the watch, specifically on the right-hand side near the Digital Crown and Side Button. Each would let you point your wrist at an object or your surroundings, scanning them like James Bond for information, presumably delivering content on-screen - for your AIs only (sorry). The small Apple Watch screen, which limits how much information can be shown, means Apple might get Siri to read out the information through the speaker or a set of AirPods too. It's an interesting proposition, especially given the general lack of success the AI-powered wearables market has delivered to this point. However, there's clearly more appetite for the likes of Visual Intelligence features on the iPhone 16, so it makes sense that Apple might push those powers onto your wrist one day. As Gurman suggests, this could also pave the way for future Apple Watch FaceTime support, which would be a nice bonus. As mentioned, this is an upgrade that could be generations away, but one we know Apple is exploring. Just last week we reported on an Apple Watch patent that reveals a device with a folding screen and an onboard camera, so this latest report tracks with that.

Apple May Add a Camera to Apple Watch Amid AI Wearables Push: Report

Apple is reportedly considering adding cameras and associated Visual Intelligence features to upcoming Apple Watch models. This news comes via Bloomberg's reliable Apple analyst Mark Gurman. "The company is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras," Gurman writes in his latest Power On newsletter. "As with the future AirPods, this would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information. These models are likely still at least generations away from hitting the market, but they are on the road map." This builds upon what Gurman characterizes as Apple's broader AI-powered wearables ambitions. Apple's iPhone 16 family already has Visual Intelligence, which enables users to have onboard AI analyze what the smartphone's cameras see, but the feature has not yet been widely adopted. With this feature, iPhone 16 users can take a picture of something and analyze it using ChatGPT or Google Search. The function can also summarize or translate visible text, identify particular objects and landmarks, and ID some animals. Moving this type of AI from a smartphone to a wearable device makes sense for Apple, as it is a growing focus for some of its competitors. Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are quite popular, for example, and becoming more powerful all the time. Not all AI wearables have been a home run, though. Perhaps most famously, the Humane AI Pin was an unmitigated disaster and is now dead less than a year after its launch. Apple would understandably want an AI wearable that is more like the Meta smart glasses and much less like the Humane AI Pin. Apple is already in a strong market position with its popular Apple Watch family, so it seems reasonable to leverage its smart watch's popularity with improved AI features. Given that Apple has already explored the idea of adding a camera to the Apple Watch a few times already, as shown in patent filings in 2023 and 2022, it is not a big leap to expect future Apple Watch models to finally realize these ideas. "As part of this plan, Apple is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models," Gurman writes, adding that the Apple Watch Series could sport a camera inside its display. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra may instead opt for a camera lens on the watch's side, near the crown and button. The Apple Watch Ultra is thicker than the standard Apple Watch, so it offers more real estate for a larger camera system. Gurman notes that Apple has also explored camera-equipped AirPods and smart glasses. As for when, or if, any of these Apple products could arrive on the market, time will tell. Gurman speculates an Apple Watch with a camera could come in 2027 alongside camera-equipped AirPods, giving Apple a couple more years to iron out its plans for a significantly improved AI wearables experience.

Apple Watch could gain cameras to improve AI features | AppleInsider

A future Apple Watch could include cameras for monitoring the world, expanding Apple's AI and Visual Intelligence efforts out from the iPhone and onto the wrist. Apple's introduction of Visual Intelligence offers a quick way for users to perform searches on physical objects and signs. However, while the AI-based feature is part of Apple Intelligence on an iPhone, it could eventually see an expansion into other areas. According to Mark Gurman in a Bloomberg newsletter on Sunday, Apple's plan for Visual Intelligence is to make it a core feature of future hardware releases. This includes shifting away from using external AI models from OpenAI and Google to power the function, in favor of one of its own creation. However, Apple also wants to use it on other hardware that doesn't typically have an onboard camera. This has already been proposed by the rumored development of AirPods with built-in cameras, but this concept can apparently spread over to the Apple Watch. Gurman writes that Apple is considering adding cameras to the standard and Ultra models of Apple Watch. Both versions could have a front-facing lens inside the display, while the Ultra may have a lens on the side, near the crown and button. The idea of the effort is to use the system so that AI can see the outside world, which can be used to deliver detailed information that can enhance queries. This is somewhat similar in concept to how the AirPods cameras could be employed. As for when a camera-equipped Apple Watch could arrive, Gurman proposes that it's something Apple could accomplish by 2027. The idea of a camera inside an Apple Watch has been floated multiple times in the past. Aside from rumors and speculation, it's actually cropped up in Apple's own patents and applications. Most recently, it was mentioned in one concept for a "Wearable Electronic Device" that looks like a smartwatch with a flip-up display. The filing mentions its use for making and receiving video calls, and the use of both exterior and interior cameras. Back in 2023, an application for "Wearable Electronic Device Having A Digital Camera Assembly," consisting of a protrusion along a band to see the user. That camera, the filing adds, could be used for things like biometric monitoring, such as a user's heart rate, or Face ID, among other typical video applications. A December 2020 filing offered a concept where the camera and flash are externally visible on an Apple Watch only when needed, and hidden when not in use. There's also been the proposal of hiding it in the Digital Crown or on the end of a watch band strap. Evidently, Apple has considered the prospect of adding a camera to the Apple Watch for quite some time. It just hasn't actually moved on to producing one of the concepts as an actual product.

Apple Watch's next big AI enhancement might be a built-in camera

Apple appears to be pushing to make its wearables perform more AI functions. The iPhone maker already has in the works AirPods that will have built-in cameras to take pictures to know the environment around it. A new report now says the company wants to do something similar with the Apple Watch. Apple is reportedly planning to add a camera to its Apple Watch, as reported by Bloomberg Sunday. The reported plan is to have a camera added to both the standard Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch Ultra. It would be placed in the standard watch's display while the Ultra would have it on the side where the crown is. The camera would be able to see the environment around it and use AI to provide the user with whatever information they want. This feature, according to the report, is still a long way from happening, so don't expect it to show up on the next Apple Watch, which is likely to be shown this September. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation on the report. There is little doubt that a new Apple Watch is coming later this year. The company tends to release the new line in September along with the newest iPhone. As for the Apple Watch Series 11, right now, there isn't much we know about it. There are rumors that it might have a MicroLED display to provide better colors and higher resolutions. It's also likely that the new watch will have better battery life and a faster processor. It's still too early to know what Apple wants to do with the smartwatch, but we could get a better idea in June when the company puts on the Worldwide Developer Conference where it shows the upcoming features for the next big software update for the wearable, WatchOS 12. What likely won't be showing up in the next watch is a blood pressure monitor. Bloomberg reports Apple continues to have issues implementing the feature. The company has been working on the feature for years, but it appears that it won't be coming to fruition anytime soon. AI is the rage right now in tech, and it's clear Apple want to make it a part of its ecosystem. However, it seems to just not find that sweet spot in quality it wants for all of its products. Apple Intelligence launched last fall shortly after the release of the iPhone 16, but it's been a slow rollout of features. It can do some neat stuff like summarize text messages, remove objects from photos, and prioritize notifications that the AI thinks you care about most. Those features, however, aren't really the AI revolution Apple seemingly was going for when it revealed Apple Intelligence last September. One of its biggest planned features involving AI was overhauling the iPhone digital assistant Siri. The company intended for Siri to be a true AI assistant that understands an iPhone user's personal information such as pulling up a task to do in an old email or knowing what a family member is doing based on texts and calendar details. This new Siri was to make its debut sometime this spring, but Apple delayed the feature, and it may not show up until sometime next year. Following the setback, Apple recently reshuffled the leadership of the team developing Siri. Mike Rockwell, who led the team in creating the Apple Vision Pro, was reportedly put in charge of the Siri team last week. It remains unclear if Rockwell can get the team past the finish line in the coming months, if not years.

Siri is the biggest obstacle to making the Apple Watch an AI hit

(Think: pointing your device at a pair of shoes and then asking where you can buy them.) Apple has had a slow start bringing AI to its devices, but the Apple Watch might be the perfect place for Apple's AI features to stand out, despite Apple being late to the AI party. Unfortunately for Apple, while the Watch could be the key to its success in AI, there's still one big problem: Siri delays. I'll admit, at first, I was skeptical about whether the Apple Watch needed a camera. Smartwatches aren't exactly the ideal form factor for photography, after all. That's not what Apple is planning to use this camera for, though, at least, not according to reporting. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the purpose of a camera on the Apple Watch would be to effectively turn it into an AI wearable. The camera would gather visual context about the user's surroundings to inform AI requests, questions, and tasks. A similar visual intelligence feature is available on the iPhone 16, as well, using the new camera control button. If you heard anything about the ill-fated Humane AI pin or Rabbit R1 from last year, that may sound eerily familiar. Those devices, both flops, attempted to act as standalone AI devices. The Humane AI pin was even a wearable like the Apple Watch. Neither one managed to click with users. So, you'd be forgiven for thinking it would be a mistake to use those devices as a model for the future of the Apple Watch. However, Apple might be onto something here. The Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the world by a long shot. It's arguably the most popular wearable, period. Even if the Humane AI pin hadn't had a slew of problems, it would have always struggled to compete for users because it was a new type of wearable with a completely new and unusual user interface. The Apple Watch doesn't have that problem. It's a wearable people already know and love, with features and functionality beyond AI, which might be exactly why it's the perfect place for Apple to succeed in AI where Humane and Rabbit failed. Apple doesn't need to convert users to the Apple Watch. They're already there. Apple has few rivals in the wearables space and already collects a wealth of user data, particularly regarding fitness, that would be invaluable for building a good personalized AI experience. All Apple needs now is a modern AI. That's the problem. Apple's existing dominance in the wearables market gives it an edge Humane and Rabbit didn't have, one that could make the Apple Watch the most popular "AI gadget" and help Apple find success in AI despite being late to the party. Making the Apple Watch a worthy AI device hinges on Apple's big Siri update that was promised back at WWDC 2024. The Large Language Model (LLM) version of Siri has been plagued by delays, setting its release back until 2026 or possibly even 2027, according to recent rumors. There are still some AI features Apple could bring to the Watch in the meantime, like a ChatGPT integration, but as long as LLM Siri is stuck in development, making the Watch a genuine AI device will be out of reach. That may be part of why Bloomberg's report hints that an Apple Watch with a camera is still "generations away from hitting the market." So, we probably won't see that upgrade on the Watch Series 11, but it could be a possibility for the Watch Series 12, or potentially the Ultra 3 or Ultra 4. Apple seems to be aware that the pressure is on to launch LLM Siri and the rest of its promised Apple Intelligence features. It recently replaced the executive in charge of its AI department, bringing over Mike Rockwell instead (who was behind the Vision Pro's development). Apple is also facing a lawsuit for false advertising about Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16, which surely isn't helping CEO Tim Cook's team. Only time will tell whether or not Apple can find its footing in AI, but I think it could be heading in the right direction by focusing on AI wearables.

Apple Watch might get a camera upgrade in the near future

Apple hasn't delivered any major hardware-focused health breakthroughs on its recent smartwatches. The current-gen Series 10 smartwatch is mostly a slimmed-down avatar of its predecessor, and it appears that next-gen facilities like glucose monitoring continue to run into hurdles. But Apple could add a different kind of sensor to its smartwatch, one that we are all too familiar with. According to Bloomberg, the company is planning to add a camera to the Apple Watch -- both the mainline as well as the top-end Ultra model. Recommended Videos "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 the report. Please enable Javascript to view this content Interestingly, Meta explored the idea years ago, but eventually killed the project. It isn't clear how soon we are going to see these camera-equipped Apple Watch models hit the market. Moreover, there is no word on what exactly these cameras will accomplish. However, a quick look at Apple's AI and health stack gives us a clear idea. It could be a wellness boon The prime candidate would be Apple Intelligence. This feature lets users point their camera at any object in their view. The underlying AI model will accordingly scan the world as seen through the camera lens, and provide answers based on user queries. For example, it could identify pets, pick up details from a poster, translate text, and just carry on a natural conversation based on where users point the camera. This feature is computationally quite demanding, which means the Apple Watches would need a beefy processor to handle it. Apple could always make some functional cutbacks on how it executes Visual Intelligence on smartwatches. But we've already seen open-source options like HuggingSnap execute it on frugal resources -- and with a totally offline approach -- so it would be interesting to see how Apple moves ahead with utilizing cameras on an Apple Watch. The other possible avenue could be health. Apple has already implemented features such as Fall Detection on smartwatches, which automatically triggers an emergency alert, too. Adding a camera sensor would allow for improved accuracy and could assist emergency responders based on the visual data sent by the camera. Likewise, it could assist users with workouts and open new avenues for telehealth consultation and guidance. Apple could tie it with the crash detection system on smartwatches, which has already saved lives. The Bloomberg report mentions the possibility of FaceTime calls, as well, but adds that it could be an awkward experience.

Apple Watch to Get AI Features, Cameras Soon: Reports

Apple is reportedly planning to integrate cameras on its Apple Watch, Bloomberg reported. The cameras would help the Apple Watch visually observe the user's environment and use AI to deliver appropriate information. The report added that Apple is considering adding cameras to both the standard Series and the Ultra watches. The standard Series variant of the Apple Watch will feature a camera inside its display, akin to the front-facing camera on the iPhone. The Apple Watch Ultra, however, will feature a camera lens on the side of the watch, near the crown and the button. Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Apple is considering adding cameras to its AirPods to help users understand their surroundings for AI-enabled features. Having said that, the company is facing turbulent times with regard to Apple Intelligence on the iPhone. A few weeks ago, Apple announced that the release of a more personalised version of Siri had been delayed until 2026. Last month, it was reported that the company was struggling to mitigate various bugs and engineering problems within Siri. Recently, Bloomberg reported that Mike Rockwell, creator of the Apple Vision Pro, will replace John Giannandrea as the AI head. As per the reports, CEO Tim Cook had "lost confidence" in Giannandrea's ability to develop products. To make matters worse, Apple has been slapped with a lawsuit claiming that the company has falsely advertised Apple Intelligence features. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in San Jose, sought class-action status and financial damage for users who have bought iPhones equipped with Apple Intelligence. Moreover, last year, Apple came under fire for inaccurate AI-generated summaries of news articles, particularly from BBC News. Recently, Apple released a statement to push an update to mitigate such issues. Furthermore, several users across social media have expressed dissatisfaction regarding Apple Intelligence. Certain features noticeably lag behind the ones offered by smartphones from competitors like Samsung. Aditya Agarwal, general partner at South Park Commons, in a post on X, said, "I don't know how it's possible, but Siri feels *worse* after the launch of Apple Intelligence."

Apple wants to see the world from your wrist with upcoming Apple Watches

TL;DR: Apple is exploring the integration of cameras into its smartwatch lineup, aiming to enhance the devices with visual intelligence features for added value. Visual intelligence could be heading to Apple's smartwatch line up as the company is exploring its implementation into the wearable devices with the additional of cameras. In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman explained that Apple is exploring the idea of adding cameras to its smartwatches, which would be paired with visual intelligence features, illustrating Apple's overall intention to integrate AI into its catalog of devices. Gurman explains the main idea of Apple Watches gaining cameras and visual intelligence would be to enable users to query their watch about the surroundings of the user. The smartwatch feature would be similar to the new Visual Intelligence feature on iPhones, where users can long press the camera button and be presented with a new interface that lets them choose if they want to take a picture of something and have it analyzed by Google Search or ChatGPT. This feature isn't very well known or used due to it currently being locked to the iPhone 16 series, but it's expected to be adopted further when Apple releases iOS 18.4 next month, and it becomes available on the iPhone 15 Pro. Gurman adds that Apple is planning on moving away from third-party AI models such as ChatGPT for its own in-house models while also rolling out visual intelligence features to other products in its line-up, such as the new AirPods that come equipped with cameras. Notably, the Bloomberg reporter says these new camera-equipped devices are still likely a few generations away, but it's the direction Apple is moving in with its upcoming products.

Apple Watch May Reportedly Integrate Cameras to Become an AI Wearable

Users may be scan objects for instant information retrieval Apple is planning to integrate cameras into its smartwatches, according to claims by a seasoned journalist. The Cupertino-based technology giant may add a camera near the crown and the button on the Apple Watch Ultra's side, allowing the user to scan an object around them and get information about it. Meanwhile, the standard Apple Watch series is also likely to get it. As per the report, it would fulfill the company's ambition of having an artificial intelligence (AI) wearable which can "see the outside world and deliver relevant information". This information comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, the journalist highlighted Apple's plans regarding its lineup of smartwatches, the Watch Ultra as well as the numbered Series. In line with its ambitions of making AI a fundamental part of the iPhone, the company also reportedly wants to have Visual Intelligence at the core of its smartwatches. Notably, it is a visual lookup tool which helps them learn about objects and places instantly, powered by Apple Intelligence -- the iPhone maker's AI suite. As part of its plan, the standard Apple Watch may come with cameras embedded with the screen, similar to the iPhone's front-facing camera. Meanwhile, it is speculated to be located between the crown and the button on the side of the flagship Watch Ultra model. As per Gurman, the Watch Ultra is thicker than the numbered series and hence Apple may have "more room to play with". The report suggests users may be able to point their Apple Watch Ultra at an object for scanning it. Alternatively, the standard series wearers may have to flip their wrist for the same. While its features are yet to be revealed, the report suggests that despite having cameras, the smartwatch is unlikely to support FaceTime due to several challenges. For starters, the smartwatch's screen would be too small for carrying out videoconferencing. Secondly, it would require the user to hold a smartwatch up for the duration of the call, making it impractical. However, Gurman says porting the FaceTime app for the Apple Watch wouldn't prove to be challenging, but despite this, it is said to be a "far-fetched idea".

Apple plans AI-powered Watch with built-in camera; targets wearables market

The cameras will utilise AI to provide contextual information about the users' surroundings. This marks a significant expansion of Apple's Visual Intelligence feature beyond smartphones.Apple is developing Apple Watch models with built-in cameras that will utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to provide contextual information about users' surroundings, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said the tech giant is aiming to introduce camera-equipped Apple Watches by 2027, as it looks to strengthen its position in the AI wearables segment, currently led by players like Meta with its smart glasses. New features According to the report, Apple intends to incorporate the cameras differently across its watch lineup. The standard series models are expected to feature display-embedded cameras, similar to the front-facing lens on iPhones. The development marks a significant expansion of Apple's Visual Intelligence feature beyond smartphones. Introduced with the iPhone 16 series, Visual Intelligence uses AI models, such as ChatGPT and Google Search to identify objects and text. The feature is expected to roll out to iPhone 15 Pro models next month with the iOS 18.4 update. Unlike FaceTime-focused camera use cases, the camera on the Apple Watch is being positioned to enable real-world AI functionalities. For instance, users could point their watch at a restaurant and instantly receive details such as ratings and business hours. In-house AI push Apple is also planning to shift from relying on third-party AI models to its in-house technology by the time the new wearables are launched, according to Gurman. Mike Rockwell, who previously led the development of the Vision Pro headset, is expected to play a key role in integrating AI capabilities into Apple's wearable devices while continuing to work on visionOS.

Apple Watch With Cameras Is Being Explored As Part Of The Company's AI Push To See The World From The Outside, With A Launch That Could Happen Earlier Than Expected

Generative AI features are not the only additions arriving to compatible models that will come under Apple's artificial intelligence umbrella. For the longest time, we have gazed at multiple patents talking about various cameras present on an Apple Watch, but we always dismissed these upgrades as something that would only exist on paper until now. According to the latest report, the California-based giant actually has some use for bringing multiple cameras to its smartwatches, and it is related to the company's AI push, of which Apple has fallen behind due to a series of major setbacks. The latest 'Power On' newsletter from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman discusses the addition of cameras in future Apple Watch models that will deliver various AI-related functions. However, 9to5Mac does not mention if any of these sensors will be used for any other purpose other than AI, which could be a missed opportunity. Even though iPhones will be the primary device for capturing images or videos, an Apple Watch could serve some kind of convenience, as the same operation can be carried out without taking the device out of your pocket. The most obvious concern is whether these wearables could deliver the same image quality, and given their compact size, the answer is likely no. "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." Both the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra models are reportedly being considered with camera upgrades, with the regular version sporting a sensor that could be incorporated under the display. The size of the Apple Watch Ultra could give it the ability to feature a unit on the side next to the Digital Crown. As for the launch, we could see these additions arrive as early as 2027, which is the same year that a new pair of AirPods ships with cameras too. However, all of this depends on whether Apple's concerned teams and leadership can push through with this ambitious task. Just recently, the failure to bring Apple Intelligence features as promised has landed the company in a lawsuit that seeks to attain class-action status, with the revamped version of Siri delayed to 2026. There has also been a shake-up in Apple's hierarchy, with AI head John Giannandrea getting replaced by Mike Rockwell, the man who spearheaded the ludicrously expensive Apple Vision Pro.

Apple Explores AI Wearables With Camera-Integrated Smartwatches - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Apple Inc. AAPL is reportedly contemplating the incorporation of cameras and visual intelligence capabilities into its smartwatches, marking its foray into the AI wearables market. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in his latest weekly "Power On" column writes that Apple has been progressively making inroads into the AI wearables sector with the launch of the Visual Intelligence feature in the iPhone 16 last year. This innovative feature leverages AI to furnish users with data about their environment by analyzing images captured by the device's camera. Apple is also considering the addition of cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models. Also Read: Apple's iPhone 17 Air to Usher in New Era of Slimmer, Portless Models The Series version is likely to have the camera embedded within the display, akin to the front-facing lens on the iPhone, while the Ultra model may have the camera lens on the side of the watch near the crown and button. Apple's exploration into AI wearables is a component of its overarching strategy to augment its existing product range rather than inventing new devices from the ground up. The company is projected to unveil these camera-integrated AirPods and Apple Watches by 2027, thereby solidifying its presence in the AI wearables market. This move could potentially revolutionize the way users interact with their environment, making technology more intuitive and integrated into daily life. Read Next Apple Breaks Tradition With A Flood Of New Releases; Explores Smart Glasses AAPLApple Inc $217.881.77% Stock Score Locked: Want to See it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. Reveal Full Score Edge Rankings Momentum75.50 Growth47.14 Quality83.02 Value8.01 Price Trend Short Medium Long Overview Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Apple's Product Roadmap Reportedly Includes Camera-Equipped Watch | PYMNTS.com

Apple is reportedly working on a new version of its Watch that includes a camera. As Bloomberg News reported Sunday (March 23), the camera would help the watch see the outside world and use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide relevant information. These watches are likely still generations away from hitting stores, writes Bloomberg's Mark Gruman, but are on the company "roadmap," with plans to add cameras to both the standard Series and Ultra Apple Watch models. But each watch would have a different camera set-up, the report added. In the Series watch model, the camera would be inside the display, as with the front-facing lens on an iPhone. With the Ultra version of the watch, the camera lens would sit at the side of the watch near the crown and button. This way, an Ultra user could point their wrist at something to scan an object, while Series wearers would have to flip over their wrists. Gruman added that it's likely the watch cameras would not support FaceTime, as the screens are too small for adequate video-conferencing. Meanwhile, PYMNTS wrote last week about Apple's struggles to catch up with its rivals on the AI front, with Amazon's Alexa, Google's Gemini for Android devices, and Samsung's Galaxy AI all ahead in integrating more advanced AI features. The company told Reuters recently that upgrades to its Siri AI assistant would be delayed until this year after promising those enhancements for 2025. Robby Walker, head of Siri at Apple, has said that delays and missteps by Siri were "ugly" especially after aggressively advertising its capabilities, according to a recent Bloomberg report. "It is a remarkable fall from grace for Siri that has culminated in a rare move by Apple: demoting the executive in charge," PYMNTS wrote. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly removed AI head John Giannandrea, the former head of search and AI at Google, from running Siri operations, replacing him with Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell. According to Siri co-designer Luc Julia, Apple's obsession with perfection is likely hindering efforts to launch an improved version of Siri faster. "They are falling behind because of this fear of not being perfect," Julia told PYMNTS in an interview this month. He noted that Siri was not created at Apple but rather by SRI International, directed by Julia. Apple later acquired Siri in 2010, and only after the intervention of one legendary executive. "Only one guy wanted it," Luc recalled. "It was Steve Jobs."

Apple Watch could feature visual intelligence with built-in cameras by 2027: Report

Apple is reportedly planning to add cameras to the Apple Watch to support AI features like Visual Intelligence within the next two years, said Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company aims to make the Apple Watch more of an AI-focused device by including cameras in future models, allowing it to "see the outside world," Gurman noted. This move aligns with Apple's Visual Intelligence technology, which is also expected to come to AirPods. Currently, Visual Intelligence relies on AI models from ChatGPT and Google, but Apple intends to shift to its own in-house models, Gurman cited. He emphasized that Apple's long-term goal is to make Visual Intelligence a key feature across its devices, including camera-equipped AirPods and Apple Watches. For the standard Apple Watch, Apple is working on embedding the camera within the display, possibly using a cutout or under-display technology, though details remain unclear. For the Ultra model, the camera would sit on the side, next to the digital crown and side button, where there's more space, Gurman explained. He highlighted that Ultra users could easily point their wrist to scan objects. Visual Intelligence, which debuted on the iPhone 16, uses the phone's camera to perform tasks like adding event flyer details to a calendar or finding restaurant information. While it currently depends on external AI models, Apple expects to power it with its own technology by 2027, Gurman believes. That's when these new Apple Watches and AirPods are slated for release, he added. Gurman expects the camera-equipped Apple Watch to launch no earlier than 2027, alongside AirPods with cameras. This timeline depends on Apple's AI team, which recently saw leadership changes. Gurman reported that Mike Rockwell now leads efforts to advance Visual Intelligence and the delayed Siri LLM upgrade, both critical for these wearable features.

Apple and Google Turn to Device Cameras for Next Wave of Mobile AI

The next wave of mobile AI features will integrate computer vision models, device cameras and virtual assistant capabilities. | Credit: Cheng Xin / Getty Images. After initially focusing on search and personal assistants, mobile AI is taking a visual turn. Emerging products and features from Apple and Google suggest the next frontier for on-device AI will be driven by cameras and computer vision. Apple's AI Watch Upgrade May Feature a Camera The Apple Watch has come a long way since its launch in 2015. But its next major upgrade could be its biggest yet. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new version of the smart wearable that has a built-in camera. As Gurman pointed out, a camera-equipped watch would let Apple extend its computer vision platform Visual Intelligence to new devices. But before it launches the platform on watches, Apple first needs to improve Visual Intelligence functionality, which risks falling behind Google's equivalent platform for Android. Google Debuts Gemini Live Video In a recent teaser, Google showcased Gemini Live Video, a new platform that grants AI access to users' camera feeds in real time, letting them ask questions about objects around them. The feature will start rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers this month. Building on the success of platforms like Visual Intelligence and Google Lens, Gemini Live Video represents the first time such tools have been integrated directly with mobile assistants. But as Google steams ahead with the technology, Apple is still fumbling Siri's AI overhaul, which faces ongoing challenges. Big Tech AI Race Responding to Google's accelerated AI integration, Apple recently reorganized its senior leadership in a move designed to restart Siri development. Previously, Siri was overseen by Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea. But in a recent executive reshuffle , Apple appointed Mike Rockwell to the role instead.

Apple's AI Watch concept is already being called a mistake

A fan-made render of a future Apple Watch (Image credit: Jon Prosser) In the not-so-distant future, I wouldn't be surprised if the tech world's response to the rise of AI over the last few years is studied. It's been a rollercoaster of hasty pivots, rushed launches and, occasionally, impressive breakthroughs. But while generative AI models have taken the internet by storm, several attempts to create 'AI gadgets' have failed. From the Rabbit R1 to the Humane Pin, various AI gadgets fell on their faces last year. But perhaps the most surprising flop of all has come courtesy of Apple, whose lofty claims about Apple Intelligence and Siri's transformative potential for the iPhone are yet to materialise. And yet, according to new reports, Apple continues to pursue turning its products into 'AI gadgets'. Apple leaker Mark Guman claims the company is working on turning Apple Watches into "AI devices with cameras" by 2027. Gurman reports that the company "is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models," which would allow the Watch to use AI features such as Visual Intelligence. Currently limited to the iPhone 16 line up, Visual Intelligence lets you quickly learn more about the places and objects around you using the iPhone's camera. But it's clear from an increasing chorus online that Apple's focus on AI is starting to feel misguided. "Instead of trying to justify their spend on AI by adding useless tech to other projects, they should just transfer those teams to other more promising programs and admit they made a misstep," one Redditor comments in response to the report. Another adds, "Apple I will buy a toothbrush from you if you would please stop with your AI obsession". And there are plenty of comments lamenting the state of Siri itself right now: "I just want to be able to ask Siri to open my garage without her going "okay" and then turning on every light in my house." Indeed, with Apple's AI improved Siri missing in action (which is allegedly causing serious tension in the company), and dedicated AI gadgets flopping left, right and centre, it's hard to get excited about the idea of an 'Apple Intelligence Watch'.

The new Apple Watch models will feature cameras and more AI, according to rumors - Softonic

Apple is working on future Apple Watch models with built-in cameras and new AI features, aiming to bring Visual Intelligence beyond iPhones by 2027. In a bid to strengthen its position in the AI wearables market, Apple is reportedly developing future Apple Watch models equipped with built-in cameras and smarter AI features. These updates are part of Apple's broader plan to bring Visual Intelligence to the core of its hardware ecosystem -- including not just the Apple Watch, but also AirPods with embedded cameras. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is experimenting with multiple prototypes of Apple Watch models that integrate cameras, each designed to enhance the device's awareness of the surrounding environment. These upgrades would allow the Watch to engage in more visual AI processing -- likely tied to Apple's push to reduce reliance on third-party models from OpenAI or Google. On standard models, the camera might be embedded within the display, either under the screen or via a punch-hole cutout. For the Apple Watch Ultra, the camera is expected to be placed on the side, next to the digital crown -- taking advantage of the larger case and providing better ergonomics for scanning and capturing content. Apple's Visual Intelligence, which currently runs on iPhones and leans heavily on ChatGPT, is set for a significant shift. The company wants to migrate this technology onto its own AI models while bringing it to more devices -- starting with future AirPods and the Apple Watch. This vision won't materialize until at least 2027, depending on the readiness of Apple's internal AI team, which recently went through a major leadership change. These changes signal Apple's ambition to redefine wearables as AI-first tools, capable of real-world sensing and interaction far beyond basic notifications or fitness tracking.