The new Apple Watch models will feature cameras and more AI, according to rumors

In a bid to strengthen its position in the AI wearables market, Apple is reportedly developing future Apple Watch models equipped with built-in cameras and smarter AI features. These updates are part of Apple’s broader plan to bring Visual Intelligence to the core of its hardware ecosystem—including not just the Apple Watch, but also AirPods with embedded cameras.

Apple wants its devices to “see” the world

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is experimenting with multiple prototypes of Apple Watch models that integrate cameras, each designed to enhance the device’s awareness of the surrounding environment. These upgrades would allow the Watch to engage in more visual AI processing—likely tied to Apple’s push to reduce reliance on third-party models from OpenAI or Google.

On standard models, the camera might be embedded within the display, either under the screen or via a punch-hole cutout. For the Apple Watch Ultra, the camera is expected to be placed on the side, next to the digital crown—taking advantage of the larger case and providing better ergonomics for scanning and capturing content.

Visual Intelligence is expanding beyond iPhones

Apple’s Visual Intelligence, which currently runs on iPhones and leans heavily on ChatGPT, is set for a significant shift. The company wants to migrate this technology onto its own AI models while bringing it to more devices—starting with future AirPods and the Apple Watch. This vision won’t materialize until at least 2027, depending on the readiness of Apple’s internal AI team, which recently went through a major leadership change.

These changes signal Apple’s ambition to redefine wearables as AI-first tools, capable of real-world sensing and interaction far beyond basic notifications or fitness tracking.