The Apple Watch was released in April 2015[18][19] and quickly became the best-selling wearable device: 4.2 million were sold in the second quarter of fiscal 2015,[20][21] and more than 100 million people were estimated to use an Apple Watch as of December 2020.[22] Apple has introduced new generations of the Apple Watch with improved internal components each September[23][24][25][26]—each labeled by Apple as a 'Series', with certain exceptions.[a]
Each Series has been initially sold in multiple variants defined by the watch casing's material, color, and size (except for the budget watches Series 1 and SE, available only in aluminum[27][29]), and beginning with Series 3, by the option in the aluminum variants for LTE cellular connectivity, which comes standard with the other materials.[30] The band included with the watch can be selected from multiple options from Apple, and watch variants in aluminum co-branded with Nike and in stainless steel co-branded with Hermès are also offered, which include exclusive bands, colors, and digital watch faces carrying those companies' brandings.[30]
The Apple Watch operates primarily in conjunction with the user's iPhone for functions such as configuring the watch and syncing data with iPhone apps, but can separately connect to a Wi-Fi network for some data-reliant purposes, including basic communications and audio streaming.[31][32] LTE-equipped models can connect to a mobile network, including for calling, texting, and installed mobile app data use, substantially reducing the need for an iPhone after initial setup. Although the paired iPhone need not be near the watch, to make a call with the watch, the paired iPhone must still be powered on and connected to a cellular network.[33][b] The oldest iPhone model that is compatible with any given Apple Watch depends on the version of system software installed on each device.[35] As of September 2021, new Apple Watches come with watchOS 8 preinstalled and require an iPhone running iOS 15, which is available for the iPhone 6S and later.[36]
Apple Watch is the world’s most popular smartwatch, and it continues to sell millions. But the company is not willing to rest on its laurels, and as per a new report, Apple could add a camera to its popular Watch in the near future. That’s right, Apple Watch could have a built-in camera integrating into the digital crown as per a patent filed by the Cupertino-based giant.
The patent filing was done a few years back, which has got people excited, who think that this year’s Apple Watch Series 8 could be the first to have the feature. But generally, patent filings are done so that no one else is able to claim a patent for the technology at a later stage.
Bringing a camera to the Apple Watch is an interesting move, especially for a company like Apple. Having it on the digital crown opens up the value of the component, we are not sure how the company wants to utilise having a sensor in that position.
The patent filing teases the camera on the right side of the Apple Watch, which is able to capture the view around it. So, it is imperative that you wear the Apple Watch on the left hand, or else the camera will be facing towards you. In addition to this, Apple will have to tweak the WatchOS platform to support the hardware component on the device.
Apple filing for this patent doesn’t necessarily mean the technology will be offered on a product to the consumers in the near future.
Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to be announced along with the new iPhone 14 series later this year. Before that, we will get the chance to hear about the new features on WatchOS at the WWDC 2022 keynote which is slated for June 6 and will be an online affair once again.
You must be logged in to post a comment.