Debunked! Apple Watch Ultra does not feature a secret camera
What's the story
A recent trend on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has seen several videos claiming that Apple's flagship wearable, the Watch Ultra, contains a hidden camera embedded in the Digital Crown.
These claims are part of a larger scheme by counterfeiters to deceive consumers into purchasing fake versions of the popular smartwatch.
The counterfeit watches closely mimic the original product's design and functionality but include additional features not present in genuine models.
Fake features
Counterfeit watches: A closer look at the deception
The counterfeit Apple Watch Ultra models are designed to closely resemble the original product.
However, they include features not present in genuine models, such as a camera located in the digital crown.
Another telltale sign of these fake watches is the presence of a Google Play Store icon, indicating that the device is running on an Android operating system instead of Apple's watchOS.
Detection tips
How to spot a fake Apple Watch Ultra
Not all fake Apple Watches feature a hidden camera in the crown or in the display.
However, the absence of watchOS as the operating system will confirm that the watch isn't an authentic Apple product.
If an "Apple Watch Ultra" is being sold as new at a significantly lower price than usual, this could be another warning sign of its counterfeit nature.
OS details
Counterfeit watches and their operating systems
Many Chinese websites promoting the counterfeit Apple Watch Ultra list Android v8.1 from 2017 as the operating system.
This outdated OS is why they feature the Google Play Store icon prominently.
Some videos have claimed that these fake watches were purchased from resellers on Amazon or popular Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress, further complicating the issue for unsuspecting buyers.
Buying advice
Safest route to purchase genuine Apple products
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are advised to purchase their Apple Watch Ultra directly from Apple's website or from a well-known, authorized reseller.
When buying through Amazon, it is recommended to order directly from Amazon itself—an authorized Apple reseller—rather than a reseller hosted on the platform.
This ensures that customers receive genuine products and are not deceived by counterfeit versions.