Which Apple Watch Has a Camera? (Full Guide)

Which Apple Watch Has a Camera? Smartwatches, over the years, have come a long way, evolving rapidly and offering impressive features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and even ECG functionality. However, despite all these advancements, one feature that many users continue to ask about is a built-in cam.

Well, to put it simply, none of the current Apple Watch models come with a built-in cam. However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck! There are still ways to capture photos using your watch, whether through built-in software tricks or by using specialized accessories.

In this detailed guide, we’ll dive deep into smartwatch cam capabilities, carefully examine third-party accessories that add cams, explore Apple’s future cam patents, and, finally, discuss alternative smartwatches that already come with built-in cam. So, let’s get started! 🚀

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways

2. Does Any Apple Watch Have a Camera?

3. Can You Take Photos With an Apple Watch?

4. Apple Watch Camera Accessories

5. Will Future Apple Watches Have a Camera?

6. Alternatives to an Apple Watch With a Camera

7. FAQs About Apple Watch and Cameras

8. External Links to Include

9. Relevant YouTube Videos

10. Summary: Will Apple Ever Add a Camera to the Apple Watch?

Key Takeaways

• No Apple Watch currently includes a built-in cam.
• The Cam Remote app allows users to take photos using their iPhone.
• Wristcam is a third-party band that adds a camera to the Apple Watch.
• Apple has filed patents for camera-equipped Apple Watch models, hinting at future possibilities.
• Some alternative smartwatches come with built-in cam.

Does Any Apple Watch Have a Camera?

Apple Watch Models and Camera Capabilities

Despite Apple’s cutting-edge technology, however, no smartwatch has an integrated camera. In fact, the following models, unfortunately, do not include a built-in cam:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

However, despite lacking a built-in cam, Apple Watches can still be used as remote cam controls for your iPhone. As a result, you can take pictures without even touching your phone, which makes it particularly useful for selfies, group shots, or hands-free photography.

If you're unsure which smartwatch model you have, check out this complete guide to identifying your model.

Why Doesn’t the Apple Watch Have a Camera?

Apple has likely avoided adding a camera to the smartwatch for several key reasons:

• Battery Life – Cams drain battery life quickly, and Apple prioritizes longer battery performance.
• Privacy Concerns – A wrist-worn cam could raise security and surveillance concerns.
• Design Limitations – Adding a camera without making the watch bulky is a major design challenge.

On the other hand, instead of incorporating a cam, Apple has deliberately prioritized health, fitness, and productivity features. Moreover, rather than focusing on photography, the company has continued enhancing sensors, workout tracking, and seamless connectivity to improve the user experience.

Can You Take Photos With an Apple Watch?

Even though your smartwatch doesn’t have a built-in cam, it can still, surprisingly, help you snap photos by controlling your iPhone’s cam remotely.

How to Use Your Apple Watch as a Cam Remote

1. Open the Cam Remote app on your smartwatch.
2. Position your iPhone at the desired angle.
3. Tap the shutter button on your Smartwatch to capture the photo.

This feature is great for:

Group selfies without needing to hold your phone.
Long-exposure shots when your iPhone is on a tripod.
Remote photography for landscapes and creative angles.

Looking for stylish bands to match your Apple Watch? Check out these best Apple Watch bands.

Apple Watch Camera Accessories

Although Apple hasn’t included a built-in cam, in the meantime, however, as a result, third-party accessories, such as Wristcam, have fortunately stepped in to successfully fill the gap.

Wristcam: The Best Apple Watch Camera Accessory

The Wristcam is an smartwatch band with an integrated camera, featuring:

• 8 MP rear cam for photos and 1080p video recording.
• 2 MP front cam for selfies and video calls.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless syncing with your smartwatch.

Pros of Wristcam

Allows hands-free photography and video recording.
Supports FaceTime-like video calls.
Water-resistant and lightweight.

Cons of Wristcam

Adds extra bulk to the wristwatch.
Requires a separate battery charge.
Expensive ($299+).

If you want to take pictures directly from your wrist, then, in that case, without a doubt, without hesitation, Wristcam is, by far, the best solution available today.

Want the best bands for your Apple Watch? Check out this list of top Apple Watch Series 9 bands.

Will Future Apple Watches Have a Camera?

Apple’s Patent for a Camera-Enabled Watch Band

It has, in fact, already filed patents for a wristwatch band with a built-in cam. As a result, this strongly suggests that, sooner or later, they are actively exploring multiple ways to eventually add cam functionality to future models.

Possible Camera Features in Future Apple Watches

If Apple introduces a cam-equipped smartwatch, we could see:

FaceTime video calls directly from the wrist.
Face ID unlocking using a front-facing camera.
AI-powered gesture photography, allowing users to take pictures without touching the screen.
360-degree photography from the wrist.

While no official release date has been announced, Apple’s patents indicate they may be working on a camera-equipped smartwatch.

Alternatives to an Apple Watch With a Camera

If you need a smartwatch with a built-in cam, consider these alternatives:

1. TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS

• 5 MP front-facing cam.
• Runs on Wear OS and supports Google Assistant.

2. Kospet Optimus 2

• 13 MP rotating cam for selfies and rear shots.
• Runs on Android, allowing app downloads.

3. Huawei Watch 3 Pro

• No built-in camera.
• Controls your smartphone camera remotely, like the Apple Watch.

These options are ideal for users who want a smartwatch with a camera today.

FAQs About Apple Watch and Cameras

Does the Apple Watch have a FaceTime cam?

No, unfortunately, at this time, the Apple Watch does not, as of yet, have a built-in cam for FaceTime. Nevertheless, on the other hand, in the meantime, you can still, without any issues, answer FaceTime audio calls on your smartwatch.

Can I install a cam on my Apple Watch?

No, but Wristcam is a third-party accessory that adds a cam to the Apple Watch.

Can the Apple Watch take selfies?

No, but you can use the Camera Remote app to take selfies using your iPhone’s cam.

Will the Apple Watch ever have a cam?

Possibly! Apple has filed patents for cam technology, but no official announcement has been made.

External Links to Include

These external sources provide additional insights and updates on Apple Watch cam technology and accessories:

1. Apple’s Official Website – Apple Watch Models
   📌 https://www.apple.com/watch/
2. Wristcam – Official Website
   📌 https://wristcam.com/

Relevant YouTube Videos

Here are three useful YouTube videos covering it's capabilities, Wristcam, and future Apple Watch camera patents:

1. Apple Watch With A Camera - Wristcam Review
   🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9r1o1k6Yd4

2. Apple Watch ULTRA LEAKS - Is a FACETIME CAMERA Coming?
   🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Xv6MwXpgE

3. How to Use Apple Watch Camera App
   🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO5NVtxE_Fo

Summary: Will Apple Ever Add a Camera to the Apple Watch?

At the moment, no Apple Watch has a built-in cam, but that could change in the future.

📌 Key takeaways:
It don’t have built-in cam, but they can control an iPhone’s camera remotely.
Wristcam is a third-party Apple Watch band with a built-in cam.
Apple has patented cam technology, which could lead to a future smartwatch with it.

If you need a smartwatch with a cam, brands like TicWatch and Kospet offer alternatives.

Blog Author section.

Emily Johnson

 

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Emily is a seasoned writer and technology enthusiast with a passion for digital watches and wearable tech. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her readers.