Apple is reportedly working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras. According to a report by Bloomberg News, these camera-equipped watches are still generations away from hitting stores but are on the company’s roadmap. The standard Series watch model would have a camera integrated inside the display, similar to the front-facing lens on an iPhone.
The Ultra version of the watch would feature a camera lens located at the side near the crown and button. This design would allow Ultra users to point their wrists at something to scan an object, while Series users would need to flip over their wrists. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman added that the watch cameras would likely not support FaceTime due to the small screen size being inadequate for video conferencing.
Apple has been facing challenges in keeping up with its rivals in the AI space.
Apple Watch’s camera integration plans
Companies like Amazon, Google, and Samsung have been leading in integrating more advanced AI features into their devices.
Apple has acknowledged delays in upgrading its Siri AI assistant, which was initially promised last year but has been pushed to this year. Robby Walker, head of Siri at Apple, has admitted that the delays and missteps by Siri have been problematic, contributing to a rare move by Apple: demoting the executive in charge of Siri operations. Apple CEO Tim Cook replaced John Giannandrea, the former head of search and AI at Google, with Mike Rockwell, the creator of Apple’s Vision Pro.
According to Siri co-designer Luc Julia, Apple’s focus on perfectionism may hinder efforts to launch an improved version of Siri more quickly. Julia, who directed the Siri project at SRI International before Apple’s acquisition in 2010, noted that Steve Jobs initially recognized Siri’s potential. As Apple continues to innovate, the roadmap for its future products, including a camera-equipped Apple Watch, highlights its ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technology into its devices.
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