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Apple’s Next Big Thing is AI on Smart Watches

Apple’s Next Big Thing is AI on Smart Watches

  • 24.03.2025 17:40
  • techrepublic.com
  • Keywords: AI, Apple Watch, Smartwatch

Apple is adding cameras and AI to smartwatches by 2027 for features like contact creation and item searches. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also reported on potential camera integration in AirPods.

Apple NewsAAPLsentiment_satisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple is introducing AI features in their smartwatches, which could enhance user interaction and potentially increase market share.

Google

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Google's search functionality may be integrated into Apple's AI features on the watch.

Context

Analysis of Apple's AI Integration in Smartwatches

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Timeline: Apple plans to introduce cameras and AI features in their smartwatches by 2027.
  • Camera Placement:
    • Standard Watch: Inside the display area.
    • Apple Watch Ultra: Next to the digital crown and button.
  • AI Features:
    • Contact Auto-Add: Automatically open a prompt to add email addresses or phone numbers from real-world sightings.
    • Product Search: Search Google for items using photos.
    • Diagram Analysis: Use ChatGPT to explain unfamiliar diagrams or notes.
  • Lawsuit: A class-action lawsuit was filed in mid-March alleging unfulfilled Apple Intelligence features.

Market Trends and Industry Implications

  • Competitive Landscape: Apple's move could intensify competition in wearable tech, particularly against companies like Google and Samsung, which are also advancing AI and AR capabilities.
  • Strategic Considerations:
    • Enhancing user experience with real-world interactions.
    • Expanding AR usage beyond smartphones into wearables.

Long-term Effects

  • Potential Market Shift: This integration could shift wearable tech dominance if Apple successfully leverages AI for enhanced functionalities.
  • Regulatory Impact: Possible scrutiny over data privacy and accuracy of AI features, especially in medical applications like sign translation.

Competitive Dynamics

  • AirPods Integration: Exploring camera addition suggests a broader strategy to integrate AR across devices, potentially dominating the wearable tech market with versatile AI tools.

This analysis highlights Apple's strategic push into AI-driven wearables, emphasizing innovation and user-centric features while addressing potential legal and competitive challenges.