Apple's latest patent suggests its Watch may come with camera

Apple has been awarded a patent for a detachable watch-based camera retention system, hinting at the possibility of the Apple Watch featuring a camera in future.

Techspot reported that the patent details a detachable band system and a quick-release mechanism that allows for easy access to an integrated camera unit.

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The user will be able to quickly release the band, take photos from a camera placed at the bottom of the watch and then snap it back in.

According to Patently Apple, this could mean Apple may include a nest mechanism which will allow quick removal from the band while the watch is on the user's wrist.

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Apple won't be the first to market a smartwatch camera system. Samsung's Galaxy Gear had a 1.9-megapixel camera but it didn't catch on and the smartwatch was overshadowed soon after.

A camera also raises privacy concerns, since a small camera on a wrist could lead to unauthorised photos and videos. This would require security features that let people in the wearer's vicinity know he is using a camera, like the camera indicators on smartglasses.