Apple’s Big AI Bet: Smartwatches With Inbuilt Cameras Could Be On The Way
Apple is reportedly exploring ways to embed cameras into both its standard Series and high-end Ultra models.
Apple is reportedly gearing up to infuse its smartwatches with artificial intelligence, aiming to transform the Apple Watch into a wearable AI powerhouse. Despite past struggles to convince users of its AI tools' value, the tech giant is doubling down on its efforts, planning to integrate camera technology into upcoming models of its popular smartwatch lineup.
Cameras On Apple Watch? Here’s What’s In The Works
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is exploring ways to embed cameras into both its standard Series and high-end Ultra models. The Series model is expected to house a camera within its display, while the Ultra variant may feature a lens on the side of the device. These additions would enable the watch to leverage Apple’s “visual intelligence” capabilities, currently available only on select iPhone models.
With these cameras, the Apple Watch could recognise objects, translate text from images, and potentially expand AI-driven functionalities in real time. If successful, this could give Apple a competitive edge in the wearable AI space, a market that has seen more failures than successes.
Can Apple Succeed Where Others Have Struggled?
Wearable AI devices have historically struggled to gain mainstream traction. Competitors like Humane’s Ai Pin have failed to impress consumers, with many viewing them as gimmicky rather than essential tech. However, Apple’s smartwatch already has a well-established purpose beyond AI, which could make it a more natural vehicle for new smart features.
Other companies have found some success in AI-infused wearables — Meta, for instance, has reportedly sold over a million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses. If Apple can integrate AI into its Watch without compromising usability, it could carve out a viable path for AI-powered wearables.
A Tough Road Ahead for AI Integration
Despite its ambitions, Apple has faced challenges in implementing AI features effectively. The company previously delayed its upgraded Siri rollout due to performance issues, and consumer reception to its AI tools has been lukewarm at best. A survey revealed that 73 per cent of iPhone users found Apple’s AI features to be of little to no value.
Additionally, Apple has struggled to expand the Watch’s functionality in other areas. Its long-promised blood-pressure tracking feature remains in development, and plans for a more affordable plastic Apple Watch SE reportedly may not materialise.
Will adding a camera to the Apple Watch help Apple overcome these hurdles, or will it introduce more complications to an already feature-packed device? Only time will tell.
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