Apple is reportedly working on a groundbreaking Apple Watch with built-in cameras, aiming for a 2027 launch as part of its larger push to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across its product lineup. According to Mark Gurman’s latest newsletter in Bloomberg, Apple is exploring multiple design approaches to embed cameras into both its standard Series models and the more rugged, outdoor-focused Ultra line.
For the standard Apple Watch Series models, Apple is testing a design that would embed the camera directly into the display — similar to the front-facing camera setup on iPhones. This design could enable features like gesture tracking, facial recognition for unlocking, or even FaceTime video calls directly from your wrist. On the Ultra model, which is designed for adventurers and athletes, Apple is reportedly testing a different layout. The camera may be placed near the digital crown and side button, leveraging the Ultra’s thicker, more durable body to accommodate the hardware. This position may make it easier to point the camera outward for object scanning or even quick snapshots — something that could pair seamlessly with Apple’s AI ecosystem.
The built-in camera would work in tandem with Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform introduced alongside iOS 18.1 last year. One key feature, Visual Intelligence, uses cameras to recognize objects, landmarks, and even text in the environment, delivering contextually relevant information to users. For example, an Apple Watch equipped with a camera could recognize a product while shopping and pull up reviews or price comparisons, identify a plant or animal during a hike, or translate signs in real time when traveling abroad — all from your wrist.
Rumors of a camera-equipped Apple Watch have circulated for nearly a decade. In fact, back in 2015, early reports suggested Apple was working on a second-generation watch with a built-in FaceTime camera positioned on the top bezel. At the time, the idea was largely focused on enabling video calls — a novel but limited use case. Now, with Apple’s advancements in AI and computational photography, the concept has evolved into something much more sophisticated. The camera’s role would extend far beyond video calls, supporting a suite of intelligent features designed to make the Apple Watch more of a standalone device rather than a companion to the iPhone.
Apple’s push to infuse AI-powered hardware into wearables doesn’t stop with the Apple Watch. Gurman previously reported that Apple is also developing AirPods equipped with infrared cameras, potentially launching by 2026. These AirPods could support hand gesture recognition, improved spatial audio experiences, and environmental awareness — especially when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset. For example, they might detect head and hand movements to enable hands-free control, track fitness metrics more accurately, or even provide immersive audio that adapts to your surroundings in real-time.
Apple’s ultimate goal appears to be reducing its reliance on third-party AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s models. By developing its own AI tools — like the Visual Intelligence platform — Apple aims to build a more seamless, secure, and privacy-focused ecosystem. This strategy aligns with Apple’s long-standing emphasis on keeping user data processed locally on devices rather than relying on cloud-based AI.
Internally, Apple’s AI division is undergoing a significant restructuring to fast-track the development of these technologies. Leadership changes and a reallocation of resources are reportedly in motion to ensure Apple remains competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The company’s ambitions extend beyond wearables, too — Apple Intelligence is expected to power a range of next-generation devices, from iPhones and iPads to MacBooks and smart home products.
If Apple stays on track, the Apple Watch with built-in cameras and AI-powered AirPods could hit the market by 2027. Together, they may redefine how we interact with wearable technology — transforming them from passive accessories into proactive, environment-aware companions that can “see” the world around us and provide instant, intelligent insights.
