Future Apple Watch Models Could Get Cameras As Part of AI Push, Apple Watch SE’s Plastic Design In Jeopardy, Says Gurman

Highlights

• Apple is exploring camera-equipped Apple Watch models to align with its AI-driven Visual Intelligence strategy for release by 2027.
• Plans for a plastic Apple Watch SE face hurdles due to design aesthetics and cost, making its future uncertain.
• The upcoming Ultra model is expected to include satellite texting and 5G connectivity with advancements in AI integration.

Caption – Gurman shared the latest updates on Upcoming Apple Watch models. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is exploring ways to make the Apple Watch a more AI-driven wearable and one of the key changes could be the addition of cameras. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on multiple versions of future Apple Watch models that will include cameras to help the device “see the outside world.”

This move aligns with Apple’s broader AI strategy, particularly its Visual Intelligence technology, which the company also plans to bring to AirPods. Right now, Visual Intelligence heavily relies on ChatGPT and Google, but Apple wants to change that.

Gurman writes, “Apple’s ultimate plan for Visual Intelligence goes far beyond the iPhone. The company wants to put the feature at the core of future devices, including the camera-equipped AirPods that I’ve been writing about for several months. Along the way, Apple also wants to shift Visual Intelligence toward its own AI models, rather than those from OpenAI and Google.”

Apple is reportedly developing camera-equipped versions of both the standard Apple Watch and the Ultra model. The standard Apple Watch will have the camera built directly into the display, similar to the iPhone. However, it’s unclear whether this would use under-display technology or require a visible cutout.

Meanwhile, the camera in the Apple Watch Ultra would be placed on the side of the watch, next to the digital crown and side button. This placement would make it easier for Ultra users to point their wrists at objects to scan.

According to Gurman, these camera-equipped Apple Watch models won’t launch before 2027, alongside the rumoured AirPods with cameras. Apple’s AI teams are still working on the underlying technology, and a recent executive shake-up could impact development timelines.

Apple Watch SE’s Plastic Design in Jeopardy

Meanwhile, Apple’s rumoured plan to switch the next-generation Apple Watch SE to a plastic design is facing serious challenges.

Last year, Bloomberg reported that Apple was considering using rigid plastic for the Watch SE to lower costs. However, Gurman now says this plan is “in serious jeopardy” because the design team doesn’t like how it looks and the company hasn’t been able to make it cheaper than the current aluminium casing.

Gurman explains, “And the redesigned, plastic Apple Watch SE I’ve written about is also in serious jeopardy. The design team doesn’t like the look, and the operations team is finding it difficult to make the casing materially cheaper than the current aluminium chassis.”

It remains to be seen whether Apple will overcome these issues. However, the Apple Watch SE is nearly three years old, so a refresh is likely in the next six months.

Moreover, Gurman reiterates that the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra will gain satellite texting support and 5G connectivity.

FAQs

Q1. When will camera-equipped Apple Watch models be introduced?

Answer. Camera-equipped Apple Watch models are expected to launch by 2027, as part of Apple’s AI-driven Visual Intelligence strategy.

Q2. What challenges is Apple facing with the plastic design for the Apple Watch SE?

Answer. The plastic design for the Apple Watch SE is facing hurdles due to unappealing aesthetics and difficulty in making it cheaper than the current aluminium casing.

Q3. What new features are expected in the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra?

Answer. The next-generation Apple Watch Ultra is anticipated to include satellite texting support and 5G connectivity.

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