Overview

• Apple has officially canceled development of Apple Watch models with built-in cameras, originally planned for release in 2027.
• The camera functionality was intended for AI-driven Visual Intelligence, such as identifying objects, translating text, and retrieving contextual information, rather than traditional photography or FaceTime.
• The decision to discontinue the project was reported this week, with no official reason disclosed for the change in strategy.
• Apple is redirecting its wearable AI efforts toward AirPods, which are expected to feature tiny infrared cameras enabling spatial audio, gesture controls, and other advanced capabilities.
• While the Apple Watch camera plans are shelved for now, Apple’s history of revisiting paused hardware concepts leaves the door open for future iterations.