Apple patents technology that will allow adding a video camera to Apple Watch

Apple is developing a smartwatch with an original design for a built-in camera. In early February, the company received a patent from the USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office) describing the technology that will provide Apple Watch users with access to the camera on the back of the gadget.

The camera sensor is located on the device body, which is attached to the strap with special latches or magnets. According to the patent information, users will be able to quickly remove the front panel of the watch to access the built-in camera. When the user is done shooting, the panel will return to its place and lock.

It should be clarified that the company has not yet released an Apple Watch with a similar system — however, in 2019, Apple received an award for a watch strap with a built-in optical flexible sensor, which can be considered a prototype of the upcoming novelty.

However, according to experts, the emergence of smartwatches with a camera may provoke discontent related to the violation of users' right to privacy. The simplest example is video voyeurism, which is a painful urge to covertly observe other people.

We should add that there is already a separate accessory for Apple Watch called Wristcam. It allows smartwatch owners to take photos and record videos. Later, it also received a video calling feature.