Summary
- Apple is reportedly working on new Apple Watch models with built-in cameras that support Visual Intelligence.
- The camera placement could vary, with standard models possibly integrating it into the display and the Apple Watch Ultra having it built into the side.
- Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026 with around a $2,000 price tag, resembling a book-style design like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold.
The Apple Watch may be in for a significant AI upgrade, and the foldable iPhone is arriving sooner than you think.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing new Apple Watch models with built-in cameras, allowing the devices to “see the outside world” and leverage Visual Intelligence, which the Cupertino-based company introduced with Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 series.
The camera could be integrated into the display on the standard Apple Watch model. However, it remains unclear whether this would use under-display technology or require a camera cutout. On the Apple Watch Ultra, the camera might be placed on its side, which seems logical given its thicker design.
These new Apple Watch models aren’t expected to be released until at least 2027…
If you’re excited about the possibility of an Apple Watch that supports Visual Intelligence, you’ll have to wait a while. These new Apple Watch models aren’t expected to be released until at least 2027, possibly alongside new AirPods featuring infrared cameras to enhance spatial audio. It’s worth noting that FaceTime is not anticipated to be supported by the new watches, and the cameras are primarily being developed for AI purposes.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a premium smartwatch focused on offering in-depth fitness tracking and a much longer battery life than a normal Apple Watch. As of 2024 it also comes in a black titanium finish.
- Brand
- Apple
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Electrical and optical
- Color Screen
- 3000nits
- Battery Life
- Up to 72 hours
- Operating System
- WatchOS
- Lens Material
- Sapphire
Related
These are the 5 best phones I’ve ever had the pleasure of using daily
I’ve owned several downright excellent smartphones through the years, but these models are my absolute favorites.
The plastic Apple Watch SE is in trouble
Apple’s foldable iPhone is on track for 2026
In other Apple Watch news, it was widely reported last year that Apple was developing a plastic Apple Watch SE with a lower entry-level price. However, according to Gurman’s latest report, the plastic Apple Watch SE is in “serious jeopardy” because Apple’s design team does not like its appearance, and the operations team is finding it challenging to produce its plastic casing at a lower cost than the current aluminum chassis.
Additionally, Gurman reports that Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone is on track for a 2026 release and could carry a price tag of around $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone ever. Apple’s foldable is expected to feature a book-style design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and OnePlus Open. The device could be just 5.5mm thick and utilize many of the technologies Apple is developing for the iPhone 17 Air, the new slim smartphone expected to be released later this year.
The foldable iPhone will surely be a sight to see, but by the sounds of it, its price tag won’t be.
I’m excited about the prospect of an Apple Watch with built-in cameras. Pointing your watch at something and using Visual Intelligence to learn about it seems like it would be more intuitive than doing so on your phone. The foldable iPhone will surely be a sight to see, but by the sounds of it, its price tag won’t be.
Related
The 5 coolest-looking Macs you probably haven’t heard of
If you’ve only started using Macs in the past decade or so, you missed out on some wild experiments.
