Apple may have faced challenges in its artificial intelligence (AI) roadmap, but that hasn’t stopped the tech giant from exploring bold new directions. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on equipping future Apple Watch models with built-in cameras, potentially unlocking a new wave of visual intelligence features.

These enhancements would allow Apple’s wearables to see and interpret the world, similar to how Google Lens functions on Android devices. Visual intelligence could offer contextual awareness, image recognition, and gesture-based interaction, adding a fresh layer of usability to the Apple Watch ecosystem.

Visual Intelligence Already Active on iPhone 16

Apple’s visual intelligence journey isn’t new. The iPhone 16 series, running iOS 18.2 or later, already supports the feature. Users can now scan real-world objects and scenes with their iPhones to receive contextual data, much like Google’s long-standing Lens technology.

Extending these capabilities to wearables is part of Apple’s larger AI push. Unlike smartphones, which users need to point manually, wearables like the Apple Watch or AirPods could collect visual data passively or with simple gestures, making the process even more intuitive.

Apple Watch Models to Receive Camera Integration by 2027

As per Gurman’s report, Apple plans to introduce camera functionality to both the standard Apple Watch and the Apple Watch Ultra. Here’s what to expect:

• Standard Apple Watch: May integrate the camera module directly into the display.

• Apple Watch Ultra: Expected to feature a side-mounted camera, placed near the digital crown and power button.

These features are not just gimmicks—they could support biometric authentication, object scanning, quick image captures, and even video calls or FaceTime on-the-go.

The timeline for this rollout appears to be targeted for 2027, giving Apple ample time to test usability, privacy protocols, and hardware capabilities.

AirPods May Join the Camera Club

Interestingly, Apple’s wearable strategy doesn’t stop with the Apple Watch. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the company is testing AirPods with built-in cameras. These upgraded AirPods are also said to feature visual intelligence, which could support real-time contextual awareness and gesture control through motion and environmental data.

Though Apple has not officially commented on these developments, analysts suggest these advancements align with Apple’s broader vision of ambient computing—a future where devices operate seamlessly in the background, responding to users naturally without the need for constant input.

Why Visual Intelligence on Wearables Matters

Adding cameras to wearables introduces more than just novelty. It enables:

• Object and environment recognition: Helping users navigate, shop, or learn about what’s around them.

• Gesture control: Allowing users to interact with their devices through simple hand movements or visual cues.

• Biometric verification: Offering more secure and convenient user authentication.

• Health and fitness tracking: Detecting posture, activity, and motion in real-time with greater accuracy.

Such features could make the Apple Watch and AirPods more useful in AR and health tech applications, where visual input can significantly enhance user experience.

Apple’s Broader AI Ambitions

While Apple has traditionally lagged behind rivals like Google and OpenAI in launching flashy AI tools, it has focused on embedding machine learning and intelligence quietly into its ecosystem. With Siri rumored to receive a major AI overhaul and the upcoming iOS 18 likely to spotlight AI features, Apple appears to be setting the stage for a more AI-integrated product lineup in the next few years.

Apple’s push into AI-powered wearables also follows a growing industry trend. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, Amazon’s Echo Frames, and Humane’s AI Pin all suggest a future where vision-enhanced devices become more mainstream.

The Road Ahead

While camera-equipped Apple Watches and AirPods are still in the testing phase, the direction is clear: Apple wants its devices to not only hear, touch, and sense but also see and understand the world around users. If successful, this could mark a new chapter in wearable computing—where intelligence meets everyday functionality in increasingly invisible ways.

As 2027 approaches, developers, consumers, and competitors will be watching closely to see how Apple’s blend of privacy-first innovation and visual AI reshapes the wearables space.