Apple Watch Camera: Fact Or Fiction?

Apple Watches do not have an in-built camera. However, there are third-party accessories, such as Wristcam, that can be attached to the Apple Watch to enable picture-taking capabilities. Additionally, the Camera Remote app allows users to control their iPhone camera remotely and use the Apple Watch as a viewfinder. Apple has also filed a patent for a built-in camera to be hidden in the digital crown of the Apple Watch, but it is unclear when this feature will be officially released.

Apple Watch Series 8 to feature a built-in camera

Apple Watch has never had an in-built camera, but that is set to change with the Apple Watch Series 8, which will feature a built-in camera, according to reports. The camera will be fitted in the digital crown of the watch and will allow users to take pictures and navigate as normal.

Apple filed the patent for this new feature back in 2019, and the leaked image of the patent also shows a light emitter for the camera sensor, which will probably work as a flash module.

While Apple has not yet released an Apple Watch with a built-in camera, there are third-party accessories that can add this functionality. One such accessory is the Wristcam, a specialised camera attachment that transforms the Apple Watch into a wrist-mounted camera. The Wristcam features an 8MP outward-facing camera for HD video and 4K photos, as well as a 2MP user-facing camera for selfies. It attaches over the wristband of the Apple Watch and uses Bluetooth and WiFi to transfer photos to the user's iPhone or cloud storage.

Apple Watch users have also been able to use their device as a camera remote for their iPhone, allowing them to take photos and videos from a distance. With the Camera Remote app, users can control the flash, set a shutter timer, and review their shots directly on their Apple Watch.

Third-party Apple Watch camera accessories

The Wristcam is a third-party Apple Watch accessory that acts as a wearable camera with full integration with the Apple Watch. It has an 8MP back camera and a 2MP front camera, capable of taking 4K photos and 1080p videos. It also offers 8GB of internal storage, which can hold 2,000 photos or an hour of video. The Wristcam app allows users to view, download, edit, and share photos and videos on their iPhone. It also includes watch face complications for quick access and Siri commands for voice-activated snapshots.

The Wristcam is priced at $299, which is more expensive than the Apple Watch SE. It is also quite bulky and requires a proprietary charger. Despite these drawbacks, the Wristcam is a well-designed and durable wearable camera that integrates seamlessly with the Apple Watch.

Another third-party Apple Watch camera accessory is the Insta360 X3 action camera, which can overlay fitness stats over videos. However, this camera is not exclusively designed for the Apple Watch and does not have the same level of integration as the Wristcam.

Using the Camera Remote app to control your iPhone camera

Apple Watches do not have a camera, but they can be used to remotely control the camera on your iPhone. This is done through the Camera Remote app, which can be used to take photos or videos without physically touching your iPhone.

To use the Camera Remote app, you must first download it onto two iOS devices. One device will act as the camera, while the other will automatically switch to remote control mode. You can then place the device with the camera mode somewhere that frames your desired shot. The remote control device will offer several options, including:

• Taking a single photo
• Taking a single photo after a delay (1, 3, 5, or 10 seconds)
• Taking a set of photos with a delay in between to change poses or styles
• Switching cameras
• Turning sounds on or off
• Turning the flash on or off
• Switching modes
• Enabling photo saving on both devices

The Camera Remote app also has an automatic mode, which makes it easier to take multiple photos in one session without having to reset the countdown timer manually.

In addition to the Camera Remote app, there are other ways to control your iPhone camera remotely. One way is to use Siri. While simply asking Siri to take a picture will only open the Camera app and not actually snap a photo, there is a built-in Siri shortcut called "Say Cheese" that can be used to take pictures. To set this up, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone, tap Gallery, and search for "Say Cheese." Tap the shortcut to open it, then tap the "Add Shortcut" button. The first time you use it, you will need to provide Siri with access to your camera and photos. After that, you can say, "Hey Siri, say cheese," and Siri will take a photo for you.

Another way to control your iPhone camera remotely is to use the Voice Control feature on your iPhone. To set this up, open the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility. Tap Voice Control and set up and turn on the feature. Once the blue microphone symbol appears in the status bar, open the Camera app and frame your shot. Then, say "Turn up the volume" to trigger the shutter button.

Lastly, you can use a Bluetooth remote shutter to control your iPhone camera. These devices can be purchased online and connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Once the remote is paired with your iPhone, you can set up your shot and press the shutter button on the remote to take a picture.

Apple Watch camera patents

Apple has filed several patents relating to adding a camera to the Apple Watch. While patents don't guarantee that a product is in development, they do offer an insight into what a company is thinking about.

In 2023, Apple was granted a patent for a watch strap release mechanism that could be used with a built-in camera. The patent describes a strap with two segments and a "nest" portion, allowing the watch to be quickly popped out of its strap. The watch could then be held up to take a picture with its bottom-facing camera. This is the third camera-related Apple Watch patent, with previous patents granted for a camera placed within the digital crown and for a rotatable camera built into the end of a strap.

Apple has also filed a patent for a camera integrated into the watch band, which could be pulled out and angled as desired. The lens would rotate on the end of the band for complete flexibility, and the band could maintain its form after being manipulated to maintain the desired camera orientation. The patent also suggests the inclusion of a second optical sensor, enabling 360-degree video capture.

Apple Watch camera cost

The Apple Watch does not have a built-in camera. However, you can purchase a Wristcam, the first Apple-certified smart band with a built-in camera, for $299. The Wristcam has both world-facing (8-megapixel) and self-facing (2-megapixel) lenses that you can control with either the band's manual controls or the watchOS app.

The Wristcam is a great accessory for your Apple Watch, allowing you to capture moments that you might otherwise miss while reaching for your iPhone. It is especially useful for activities such as walking your dog or hiking, where you might not want to carry your phone with you.

However, it is important to note that the Wristcam makes the Apple Watch feel heavier and might not be ideal for certain activities like weight lifting. Additionally, it takes some practice to orient the camera and get the right angle for your photos and videos.

Overall, while the Wristcam is a fun and useful accessory for the Apple Watch, it is not an everyday replacement for your iPhone's camera, which typically offers higher quality photos and videos.

Frequently asked questions