Apple plans to release camera-equipped AI wearables by 2027, says Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Apple is reportedly working on integrating cameras into the Apple Watch, paving the way for a new era of AI-powered features, including Visual Intelligence. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this groundbreaking update could arrive within the next two years, transforming the Apple Watch into a more sophisticated and intuitive wearable device.
Revolutionizing the Apple Watch with Built-in Cameras
Apple’s innovative approach will see cameras embedded in different locations depending on the model. For the standard Apple Watch Series, the camera will be seamlessly integrated inside the display, ensuring a sleek, unobtrusive design. Meanwhile, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra will feature a side-mounted camera, positioned next to the digital crown and button. These strategic placements will allow users to interact with their surroundings in new and intelligent ways.
The addition of cameras to the Apple Watch is expected to unlock a host of AI-driven functionalities. The primary goal? Enabling the watch to “see” the world around it and use artificial intelligence to provide users with relevant, real-time information. This marks a significant leap forward in Apple’s wearable technology, bringing it closer to the capabilities of its more powerful mobile counterparts.
AI-Powered Visual Intelligence: A Game Changer
The integration of cameras will introduce Apple’s Visual Intelligence features, first seen on the iPhone 16. This technology allows users to seamlessly extract useful details from their surroundings using AI. For example, the iPhone’s camera can scan an event flyer and automatically add details to the user’s calendar or analyze a restaurant sign to provide additional information about the location. With a camera-equipped Apple Watch, similar capabilities could become even more convenient and accessible directly from the wrist.
According to Gurman, Apple is currently leveraging AI models from third-party companies to power Visual Intelligence. However, the tech giant is making strides toward developing its own in-house AI models. By 2027, Apple aims to fully transition to proprietary AI technology, enhancing the speed, accuracy, and privacy of these features.
Apple’s Vision: AI Across Wearables
The Apple Watch isn’t the only device expected to receive AI enhancements. Gurman’s report also suggests that Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods, further expanding its wearable AI ecosystem. These next-generation AirPods could integrate Visual Intelligence capabilities, offering users hands-free AI-powered assistance in various scenarios. Imagine walking through a city and having your AirPods provide instant information about landmarks, translate signs, or remind you of upcoming appointments based on environmental cues.
Apple’s investment in AI-powered wearables doesn’t stop there. Another highly anticipated product in the pipeline is AR glasses, a concept that aligns with Meta’s Orion project. While still a few years away, these glasses could redefine the way users interact with digital content in real-world environments, powered by Apple’s advanced visionOS software.
Leadership Behind the AI Revolution
The success of Apple’s wearable AI initiatives will largely depend on the leadership of Mike Rockwell, who recently took charge of Apple’s AI and Siri developments. Previously responsible for the Vision Pro project, Rockwell is now overseeing efforts to get Apple’s delayed Siri LLM (large language model) upgrade back on track. His expertise in AI and augmented reality is expected to play a crucial role in refining Apple’s wearable AI experiences.
With Rockwell at the helm, Apple is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven wearables. His involvement in visionOS development also indicates that Apple’s broader AI strategy will extend beyond just the Apple Watch and AirPods, influencing the future of smart glasses and mixed reality devices.
What This Means for Apple Watch Users
If these reports hold true, the Apple Watch will soon be more than just a fitness tracker and notification hub—it will become an intelligent personal assistant capable of understanding and interpreting the world around you. From real-time event scheduling to enhanced navigation and information retrieval, the possibilities are vast.
Users can expect Apple to maintain its signature focus on privacy, ensuring that any AI-powered visual recognition features are processed securely, likely on-device rather than relying solely on cloud computing. As Apple moves towards its own AI models, efficiency and security will likely be top priorities.
Final Thoughts
The prospect of an Apple Watch equipped with a built-in camera and AI-powered Visual Intelligence is nothing short of exciting. With Apple’s continuous push towards innovation, the wearable technology landscape is set for a significant transformation over the next few years. Whether it’s through AI-enhanced smartwatches, camera-equipped AirPods, or future AR glasses, Apple is steadily working to redefine how users interact with their devices.
As we move closer to 2027, all eyes will be on Apple to see how these ambitious plans unfold. If successful, the Apple Watch will become more than just a timepiece—it will be an intelligent companion that seamlessly integrates into users’ daily lives, offering unparalleled convenience and functionality.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to shape the future of wearable technology.
