New patent reveals Apple’s plan to add a camera to future Apple Watch models

As smartwatches get bigger and more advanced, especially with Apple’s recently launched Apple Watch Ultra, we may be asking ourselves if they could offer more functionality to our wrists. We’ve seen sci-fi movies and popular media with computers on our wrists — essentially replacing smartphones and other gadgets like cameras — and it looks like Apple is working to make this a reality.

According to AppleInsider, Apple is considering adding a camera to the top of its watch, according to a new patent. The camera would be similar to the Wristcam, but it would protrude slightly above the screen.

Apple’s patent application notes that “the integration of such components may result in a bulky device that may hinder user performance, be uncomfortable to use, or be unsuitable for performing certain functions (e.g., a camera inside a wearable electronic device may be in an awkward position when taking optical input).

And AppleInsider further points out that Apple doesn’t want to compromise the quality of its products by installing the camera on the watch band. They want a high-quality camera that can shoot 4K videos at 60fps or 12MP stills.

“A digital camera assembly can be used for a variety of purposes,” notes Apple, “including, but not limited to, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, Quick Response (QR) code scanning, video conferencing, biometric monitoring (e.g., heart rate monitoring), photography, video or screenshot or any combination of these.”

Real-world use cases could include unlocking the Apple Watch with Face ID, and perhaps more advanced fitness tracking, where the watch can “record the movements of the wearer’s body or other objects during certain activities.” If the patent moves past research and development and actually materializes as an actual Apple Watch sometime in the future, it could open up a whole new set of use cases for the Apple Watch in general.

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