Innovation in motion: an even smarter smartwatch
Today, several patents have been Apple’s gain, one of which can impact the development of the Apple Watch, which many deem the best smartwatch.
Apple Watches already have many sensors and health tracking features, but one of the patents granted hints at a new breakthrough: the addition of sensors into the straps of the following generation of vehicles.
A step into the future
This patent filed under number 12133743 and first noted by Patently Apple, called “Fabric-based items with stretchable bands,” relates to stretchable strap with sensors incorporated into the stretchable fabric strap. For these applications, the identified potential sensors could include the capability to monitor blood pressure, respiratory rate and electrocardiographic measurements among others.
Apple is already offering the Apple Watch now with stretchy fabric bands so this technology cannot be so far out from being released in the future.
Even greater potential
The patent also says that these sensors “may be configured to wirelessly interface with external electronic apparatus,” meaning that they may slot into another Apple gadget, an iPhone or Macbook for instance. There is also information about the way circuitry is incorporated in the wristband to form what might after charge the gadget.
This would need new integration strategies for the bands to the main body of the watch in this case Apple. That being said, the patents have only recently received approval, which means that Apple is working on the idea but it may still be a while before hardware in the form of circuitry and sensors enters Apple Watch bands.
And that’s not all…
In addition to this innovative patent, Apple has received 37 other patents. One of them (12135855) is related to the addition of a Touch ID button on the iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini, a feature that should return to the iPhone 17 or iPhone SE 4.
Another patent has been granted regarding the Apple Airpods (12137312), although this appears to be more of a recognition of a provisional form of patent from 2022. Apple continues to innovate and surprise, proving once again that it remains at the forefront of technology.