Apple is reportedly developing a groundbreaking new version of its Apple Watch that will feature an integrated camera. According to a recent report by Bloomberg News, this innovative camera is designed to enhance the watch's ability to perceive the outside world, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver pertinent information to users. Although these advanced watches are still several generations away from being available for purchase, they are firmly on Apple's “roadmap,” with plans to incorporate cameras into both the standard Series and Ultra Apple Watch models.
The report highlights that each Apple Watch model will feature a distinct camera setup. For the standard Series model, the camera will be embedded within the display, similar to the front-facing lens found on an iPhone. In contrast, the Ultra version will position the camera lens on the side of the watch, adjacent to the crown and button. This design allows users of the Ultra Watch to easily point their wrist at an object for scanning, while users of the Series model would need to turn their wrists to achieve the same functionality.
Despite the promising development of camera capabilities, it is important to note that the cameras on the new Apple Watch models are unlikely to support FaceTime. The small screen size of the watches presents challenges for adequate video conferencing, as noted in Bloomberg's report.
In addition to the innovative smartwatch features, PYMNTS recently reported on Apple's ongoing struggles to keep pace with its competitors in the AI landscape. Rivals such as Amazon's Alexa, Google's Gemini, and Samsung's Galaxy AI have successfully integrated more advanced AI features, placing Apple at a disadvantage. Following this trend, Apple announced that upgrades to its Siri AI assistant would be postponed until this year, after having initially promised enhancements by 2025.
Robby Walker, who oversees Siri at Apple, described the delays and setbacks encountered by the assistant as “ugly,” particularly after the company heavily promoted its capabilities. This situation has led to a significant leadership change at Apple, with CEO Tim Cook reportedly demoting AI head John Giannandrea, who previously led search and AI initiatives at Google. Giannandrea has been replaced by Mike Rockwell, the creator of Vision Pro.
Luc Julia, one of the co-designers of Siri, emphasized that Apple’s quest for perfection may be contributing to the slower rollout of an enhanced version of the assistant. In a recent interview, Julia claimed, “They are falling behind because of this fear of not being perfect.” He also revealed that Siri was initially developed by SRI International and later acquired by Apple in 2010, thanks to the intervention of the late Steve Jobs, who was the sole executive interested in the technology.
As Apple continues to innovate with the new Apple Watch and navigate the complexities of the AI landscape, the company faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges ahead. Stay tuned for further developments in this evolving story.
