Apple has filed a patent that allows you to insert a camera in the Apple Watch crown, allowing you to shoot with the Apple clock. An idea that looks like it came out of a spy movie but that could become reality in the near future.
Apple working on a camera to be inserted into the Apple Watch crown
A new patent filed by Apple allows a really small camera to be inserted into the Apple Watch digital crown. It is not the first time that the Apple has worked to find a way to insert a camera into Apple Watch. In the past he had filed another patent to insert it under the device screen.
Furthermore, this same patent leaves Apple more options. In fact, we also read that alternatively “a camera could be implemented in the back of the smartwatch, to capture images through the rear case“. Specifying that “although the wrist may obstruct the view of the camera when worn, the device could be removed from the device by a special mechanism“. Or simply “removing the strap to take pictures”.
The patent also suggests that it is screen could become a viewfinder to take pictures. In addition, the flash on the back of the smartphone could be useful as an optical sensor for reading the heartbeat.
But from the way the patent is written, it appears that this second option has been included mainly to give engineers more options. The basic idea is to put the camera in the crown. However, there are no details on how to take pictures (with a tap on the screen? Or hand gestures?). Nor is it explained Which optics they would be used for such a small sensor.
The patent therefore looks more like a preparation for a possible future, not something we will see in the next two years. Apple may also discard the idea altogether. What is certain, however, is that the Apple seems really willing to put one camera on the wrist of all its usersyou. We will keep you updated about it.