May 23 2025 – Bloomberg reported yesterday, on May 22, that Apple has internally scrapped its plan to incorporate cameras into the Apple Watch.
The tech giant had initially aimed to launch Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra models equipped with cameras by 2027. These devices were intended to assist users in gathering information about their surroundings. However, according to Bloomberg’s revelation, Apple has halted the development of this project internally this week. The specific reasons behind the decision remain unclear, but there is a possibility that the project could be revived in the future.
Citing the blog post, Apple’s intention with integrating cameras into the Apple Watch was not to enable traditional functions like FaceTime calls or photography. Instead, the focus was on environmental perception and information acquisition.
For instance, when a user points the Apple Watch at a restaurant or a store, the device could instantly display the business hours. When aimed at a plant, it could identify the species and even describe objects or provide language translations. This functionality is akin to the “Visual Intelligence” AI feature on the iPhone, which offers users more practical information through the camera.
Despite the setback with the Apple Watch camera project, Apple is not halting its innovative exploration in the wearable device sector. It is reported that the company is still working on AirPods with built-in micro-cameras. These cameras are likely to be infrared sensors, supporting enhanced spatial audio, air gesture controls, and AI capabilities.
