Does The Latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 Have A Camera?

Ultra 2 & Heavy Expectations

As we mentioned above Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made with slightly different mindset than your usual Apple Watch. Much larger in size than Series 9 and priced way above the average smartwatch(even above the average of common Apple Watch) Ultra 2 is the bold new plan Apple is trying to pursue in their bid to revolutionize the smartwatch market. For those who are aware of past it is Apple’s sole hope to elevate the wearable market just like they did during the events of 2015 when they displaced the Fitbit.

Which is fine. Honestly, I couldn’t think of more deserving company than Apple itself when it comes to making the ground breaking changes. So, it is no surprise that when Ultra 2 was reveled earlier this year, there were expectations. Huge expectations. More so since the Apple Event was widely covered by mainstream media and influencers from all over the globe. But now that the dust has settled over it and Apple high is back to normal people are wondering were their expectations met? Or is the new tale to story that Apple Watch Ultra 2 can’t capture?

Is There Camera In Apple Watch Ultra 2?

A Simple Answer: No.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn’t have a camera of its own. Rumors that were spreading around like a wildfire during the event are all but debunked. If you want to take a picture your only bet is to get a mobile phone or iPhone and do it using it.

Now you could put the blame for it on anything you want, the simple truth is no Apple Watch has the camera of it’s own. Actually, no actual smartwatch has a camera of it’s own. Which might sound like an error in matrix given it is 2023 when even pens comes with cameras. You will find it very difficult to find the smartwatch which can take HD pictures from your wrist. I’m not saying you will not, you can, but it won’t have the label of Fitbit, Apple, Samsung or others greats of smartwatch industry.

“But I Saw Someone Taking Picture From Ultra 2!”

What you would’ve seen is someone using their iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to take the picture. So, just because they were using both it doesn’t mean that their Ultra 2 had the camera installed in it. No. It just implies that they were using their Apple Watch as a remote to capture the picture while it was their iPhone camera which was actually capturing the image.

That is why it is important for you to understand the role which connection between the iPhone and Apple Watch plays. More so since after the release of iPhone 15 you can even charge your Apple Watches with your iPhones. Besides it is also not first time we’ve heard of something like this, as far as we can recall you can also use your Apple Watch with your iPhone’s Face ID to lock your mobile phone.

Use Apple Watch As Remote

To use your Apple Watch Ultra 2 as a remote position your iPhone for a photo—or a video, with watchOS 10—then use your Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Ultra also works fine for this feature) to take the photo or video from a distance. By default, there’s a three-second delay before the shot’s taken, giving you time to lower your wrist and raise your eyes when you’re in the shot.

However, keep in mind that your Apple Watch Ultra 2 will need to be within normal Bluetooth range of your iPhone (about 33 feet or 10 meters).

I Can Only Control Pictures From My Ultra 2?

Actually, you can do so much more than just take pictures from Ultra 2. Apple allows the smartwatch user to have complete control of the camera using just the watch. Although, to use the function properly you should know the ins and outs of it.

Take Pictures From Apple Watch

For taking the picture follow these simple steps:

• Open the Camera Remote app  on your Apple Watch Ultra.
• Position your iPhone to frame the shot using your Apple Watch Ultra as a viewfinder. To zoom, turn the Digital Crown. To adjust exposure, tap the key area of the shot in the preview image.
• To take the shot, tap the Shutter button.

The photo is captured in Photos on your iPhone, but you can review it on your Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Record Video Using Ultra 2

As for video recording you will have to ensure that you are doing everything right from this checklist:

• Open the Camera Remote app  on your Apple Watch Ultra.
• Position your iPhone to frame the shot using your Apple Watch Ultra as a view finder. To zoom, turn the Digital Crown.
• Touch and hold the Shutter button to start recording.
• Release the Shutter button to stop recording.

Review Shots From The Wrist

You can also review your shots from your Apple Watch Ultra 2, follow these steps for each actions:

• View a photo: Tap the thumbnail in the bottom left.
• See other photos: Swipe left or right.
• Zoom: Turn the Digital Crown.
• Pan: Drag on a zoomed photo.
• Fill the screen: Double-tap the photo.
• Show or hide the Close button and the shot count: Tap the screen.

When you’re finished, tap Close.

Select Different Camera Mode

Apple Watch Ultra 2 also allows you to choose different sets of options for taking the picture. Even if it’s taking the image from iPhone camera you can adjust the settings from Apple Watch itself.

• Open the Camera Remote app  on your Apple Watch Ultra.
• Tap , then choose from among these options:
  • Timer (3-second timer on or off)
  • Camera (front or rear)
  • Flash (auto, on, or off)
  • Live Photo (auto, on, or off)

Make sure that you are following the steps correctly. Another thing to note here is that it is vital to have the watchOS 10 installed in your Apple Watches. Otherwise you might not be able to avail all of these features.

Is There Any Chance Camera Will Arrive In Smartwatches?

Given the purpose for which smartwatches are made and no I am not focusing on just Apple Watches it seems not really as a need to have a camera on them. However, if we have learned anything in the past 10 years it is that technology knows no bound. What we thought was impossible back in early 2000s is reality of today.

So, we will never suggest that such a day will never come, but it is true that for now it is better if smartwatch makers be it Apple or Fitbit keep their attention on things what really matters. Perhaps a functional blood pressure tracking system integrated and ingrained in our wearables.