Meta is reportedly gearing up to introduce a revolutionary new product in the smartwatch space: a wearable with a built-in camera. According to supply chain sources cited in a recent DigiTimes report, the company has restarted development on the camera-equipped smartwatch and is nearing the launch phase. The product may be revealed as early as September or October, positioning Meta ahead of competitors like Apple and Samsung in this innovative feature category.
The idea of integrating a camera into a smartwatch has long intrigued major tech players, especially Apple. In fact, Apple filed a patent application back in 2019 for a smartwatch camera, which was intended to allow greater independence from the iPhone. Despite this early move, Apple has yet to bring the concept to market. Many of its patents remain unrealized, making Meta’s recent momentum in this area all the more significant.
Meta’s strategy with its upcoming device appears to be centered on expanding the functionality of wearables beyond fitness tracking and notifications. The built-in camera could enable new forms of communication and augmented reality, while also laying the foundation for AI-powered features. This move may also help Meta establish a firmer foothold in the hardware segment as it looks to diversify beyond social media platforms.
Although the final specifications and pricing are not yet confirmed, the arrival of a camera-equipped Meta smartwatch could spark a new chapter in the wearable technology race. Whether consumers will embrace this innovation remains to be seen, but the company’s renewed focus signals its serious intent to lead in areas where even Apple has hesitated.