Apple is pushing ahead with the further development of the Apple Watch and has filed a series of new patents that focus on the smartwatch’s wristband. These patents could indicate that Apple is planning to expand the wristband as an independent functional area of the watch. The new technologies are aimed at health functions and improved connectivity, which could significantly enhance the user experience.
The most important facts in brief
- Apple received 38 new patents for Apple Watch bands.
- New functions include health parameters such as blood pressure measurement.
- Possible link with iPhone, AirPods and other devices.
- Wireless charging and innovative fabrics are under discussion.
Smart sensors for health data
In September of this year, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its in-house smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10 (€ 428.00), at WWDC 2024. Although it may come with a few improvements, the tech company has not achieved a real breakthrough this time either. Strictly speaking, it is simply a slightly improved version of its predecessor. But behind the scenes, Apple is clearly planning big things with the Apple Watch. Apple has now been awarded a total of 38 patents for the smartwatch.
The focus is primarily on the wristband, which until now has only served cosmetic purposes. The patents filed point to a wristband that would be able to measure important health data such as blood pressure and respiratory rate. Such functions could be made possible by integrated sensors and possibly inflatable air cushions, similar to the Huawei Watch D2 (€ 407.70), which was also presented in September this year and already offers blood pressure measurement via the wristband.
Wireless communication and charging
Another exciting detail of the patents is the possibility of charging the wristband wirelessly and using it as a communication interface. This could connect the wristband to other Apple devices such as AirPods or the iPhone. For the user, this would mean seamless integration and could further improve the overall experience of the Apple Watch. The interaction with a VR end device also plays a role in the patents.
Interestingly, one of the patents also describes a flexible fabric that can be placed not only around the wrist, but also around other parts of the body, such as the head. This could enable the Vision Pro VR headset to be extended in order to increase its appeal and functionality. In this way, Apple could optimize the user experience in VR by capturing biometric data directly from the wristband.
Conclusion
With the new patents, Apple could significantly expand the potential of the Apple Watch and use the wristband as a carrier for important health functions and new communication options. However, it remains to be seen whether these innovations will actually find their way into future models.
