Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Watches With Cameras Rumored, But FaceTime Unlikely

I had a camera watch some years ago (probably still have it somewhere). Took low-res monochrome photos, and came with two batteries because they didn’t last long at all. Took a few fun photos of my dog at the time with it.

I’d love a selfie camera on my Apple Watch. These days I leave my phone at home when I go on a run, and I’d love to take the odd selfie of wherever I end up. I can’t do that right now but, if the watch had a selfie camera, I’d be all over it.
 
Just use your EYES. Why do you need to point your watch at a restaurant to find the hours as you pass, the hours are right there! Just look at em! Or look at maps and click on the restaurant, or ask Siri when ___ closes, or just google the name which you can also see.

It just seems so overcomplicated and much more error prone than the million other ways that are just as easy
 
This is one thing I absolutely do not want. The only use case I can think of for a camera on a watch is FaceTime. And the angle of how you’d have to hold your hand to you just seems very unnatural.

Also, I take my watch into spaces that do not allow cameras, and smart watches are still allowed because they generally do not have cameras.
 
  • Like
Reactions: orev and Tagbert
A camera on the watch could finally give me a reason to leave my phone at home. Cameras have actually become an excellent tool for personal safely. As it stands I go running with my phone in hand which throws my stride off a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Green Valkyrie and JSRinUK
Does anyone remember that kickstarter watch band that had a camera in it? Whatever happened to that?

Edit: I don't think this is the brand I was thinking of, but there is this $300 Wristcam one which is completely function over form:

a2xuj1nymvvq8b5yhuas-1792x1009.jpg
ckubrdf2jzrldijkkzsv-1792x1008.jpeg
 
Last edited:
DHagan4755 said:
FaceTime would seem like an ideal app here. The other rumored feature sounds like it would be awkward to use, or is it me?
Click to expand...
MacRumors said:
On a future Apple Watch Ultra, he expects the camera to be on the right side of the watch, near the Digital Crown.
Click to expand...
It's mentioned it would be on the side near the crown. It would be awkward even for FaceTime. Some people wear it with the crown facing them, so that might work with FaceTime, but not for the suggested use case in the article.
 
Unless the camera is going to be incorporated into a new type of strap, don't think it will be facing upside and definitely think there won't be any kind of cut out on the screen. Under the screen camera is possible but not sure whether Apple will do it.
That leaves with only position of the camera to be somewhere between the side button and the crown. Not sure how useful it will be to point at stuff and use the Apple Intelligence features. Seems like it will be better to use the phone.

Would have liked to make FaceTime calls or even take photos but that I think will lead to enormous use of battery and battery life will reduce substantially.

Interesting to hear about this idea. If it ever makes it on to the watch, will be nice if it is not exclusive to the Ultra model.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mganu
I agree with the other comments here about health features. Surely something to focus on rather than s camera that doesn’t seem to have much utility.
 
The battery life is already completely woeful! My series 8 is like 18 months old an barely gets through the day as it is.

Most of my friends have now moved over to Garmin watches as they are far better for fitness and the battery lasts over a week.

I couldnt care less about a camera on my watch.
 
Mr. Nice said:
How about meaningful innovations:
Like sapphire glass for all AWs.
The normal glass is so prone to scratches.
Click to expand...
It is quite incredible at the time of me writing this, 6 people have disagreed with the notion of having sapphire glass on all Apple Watches lol. I mean, why would someone think, 'oh I disagree with having a screen that is less likely to scratch'.... 🤦‍♂️ 🤣
 
Cameras are a TERRIBLE idea for privacy. Expect to be filmed everywhere, including in public bathrooms and other sensitive areas…

It’s likely that you won’t be allowed to wear a AWatch in any place where filming is prohibited. Back to classical mechanical watches..
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Ed
this wild

Our AI doesn’t work but we are desperate to try the cameras everywhere approach.

Also Apple “prioritizes” user privacy but suddenly wants to buy ambient cameras everywhere. They should rethink this.
 
DHagan4755 said:
FaceTime would seem like an ideal app here. The other rumored feature sounds like it would be awkward to use, or is it me?
Click to expand...
I think the FaceTime would be incredibly awkward. If you’re alone, or simply don’t care if you look silly in a public place, hold your wrist up in front of your face to simulate how it would need to be so you aren’t giving a view straight up your nose. I guess I’m just a skeptic all around here.
 
No one wants this. I will never take a picture with it. I will never FaceTime with it. We need more battery power, lighter watches, and more health sensors.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AstonSmith
Mr. Nice said:
How about meaningful innovations:
Like sapphire glass for all AWs.
The normal glass is so prone to scratches.
Click to expand...

Is it innovation when you take something which have existed in more expensive models and implement them in cheaper models?

One of the most important thing about innovation is to make more money and profit than you did before. This seems like a recipe to make less money and profit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back