Apple is reportedly working on next-generation wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, with built-in cameras and advanced AI-powered capabilities. According to a Bloomberg report, these devices will incorporate Apple Intelligence features, enhancing their ability to process visual data and interact with the user’s surroundings.
Apple’s AI vision for wearables
The introduction of Visual Intelligence to iPhones marked a major shift in Apple’s approach to AI. Now, the company is said to be expanding this technology to Apple Watch and AirPods, with a strong focus on proprietary AI models rather than third-party providers.
Currently, Apple leverages OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s visual search tools, but future versions of Apple Intelligence may rely entirely on Apple’s in-house AI models.
Upcoming Apple wearables
Apple Watch with Built-in Camera
Apple is reportedly developing new Apple Watch models equipped with integrated cameras. According to Bloomberg, both the standard Apple Watch and the premium Ultra model may feature this addition.
- The standard Apple Watch could include a camera embedded within the display. However, it remains unclear whether this will be implemented through under-display technology or a visible camera cutout.
- The Apple Watch Ultra may house a side-mounted camera near the digital crown and side button, taking advantage of the extra space available in this larger model. This setup could improve usability, allowing users to scan objects, capture images, or enable video-based features.
These camera-equipped Apple Watch models are still in the early stages of development and are not expected to launch before 2027.
AirPods with Cameras
In addition to Apple Watch, Apple is also exploring camera integration in AirPods. Bloomberg previously reported that the AirPods Pro 3 could feature built-in cameras, potentially enabling them to recognise and interpret the user’s surroundings using Apple Intelligence.
With camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3, users might benefit from:
- Real-time object recognition, allowing the AirPods to provide audio-based feedback on physical surroundings.
- Enhanced AI-powered assistance, integrating seamlessly with other Apple devices.
- Hands-free gesture controls, powered by infrared (IR) sensors to track head and hand movements.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also suggested that Apple is developing AirPods with infrared cameras, designed to improve spatial audio experiences and enable AI-assisted interactions.
New Apple Watch SE
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Apple is also working on a new version of the Apple Watch SE, expected to launch in 2025. Earlier reports indicated that Apple was considering a plastic casing for the device to reduce manufacturing costs. However, Bloomberg suggests that the project is facing difficulties, as Apple’s design team is unhappy with the aesthetics, and the operations team is struggling to lower production expenses.
As a result, Apple may retain the aluminium chassis found in the current Apple Watch SE, rather than switching to plastic.
Apple’s AI strategy for wearables
Apple’s push towards AI-powered wearables aligns with its broader strategy to enhance user experience through artificial intelligence. The integration of cameras in wearables marks a significant step forward, potentially unlocking new applications in health monitoring, augmented reality (AR), and real-time assistance.
However, these developments are still in the early stages, and Apple is expected to take a cautious approach before rolling out these AI-powered features to the public.
With Apple Intelligence set to become a key differentiator for the company’s ecosystem, the future of Apple wearables looks increasingly AI-driven. While some of these innovations may take years to materialise, they highlight Apple’s commitment to shaping the next generation of smart, AI-integrated devices.
