Apple Eyes 2027 Launch for Camera-Equipped Watches to Power AI Vision

Apple is developing camera-equipped Apple Watch models to enhance its AI capabilities, with plans for a 2027 release, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The move aims to integrate Visual Intelligence—a feature that uses AI to analyze surroundings—directly into wearables, positioning the Apple Watch as a core device in the company’s AI ecosystem.

The standard Apple Watch Series will embed cameras within the display, similar to the iPhone’s front-facing lens, while the Ultra model will feature a side-mounted camera near the digital crown and button. This design allows Ultra users to point their wrist at objects for scanning, while Series users must flip their wrists for similar functionality. Both models are expected to avoid FaceTime support due to screen size limitations.

The cameras will power Visual Intelligence, enabling features like identifying objects, landmarks, or text in real time. For example, users could point their watch at a restaurant sign to retrieve reviews or scan a flyer to add events to their calendar. Apple plans to transition from third-party AI models to its proprietary systems by 2027, aligning with the watch’s release.

This development is part of Apple’s push to reduce reliance on external AI providers like OpenAI and Google. The company is also testing AirPods with infrared cameras for hand gesture detection and environmental awareness, targeting a similar 2027 launch. Leadership changes in Apple’s AI division, including oversight by Mike Rockwell (formerly of Vision Pro), reflect internal restructuring to accelerate these efforts.

While the cameras promise enhanced functionality, they raise concerns about data security. Apple must balance innovation with its privacy-focused ethos, particularly as wearables collect sensitive environmental and user data.

The move underscores Apple’s ambition to dominate the AI wearables market, though rivals like Google and Samsung already offer comparable features in their devices. If successful, the camera-equipped Apple Watch could redefine how users interact with their surroundings through AI.