Apple Might Add New 3D Touch-like Feature to Its Future iPhones and iPads, Hints Patent
Apple often publishespatentsthatdetail the technologiesupon which the Cupertino giant is working actively. So, according to a series of patents published recently, the company is currently developing advanced force-pressure sensors that may be integrated into its future products. Some of these patents also hint at a 3D touch-like feature for iPhones. So, let’s take a closer look at the details.
Apple Patents Hint at Advanced Force-Pressure Sensors
According to a recentreportbyPatently Apple, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently published an array of Apple patents, detailing devices with advanced force and pressure sensors. These patents reveal how Apple coulduse these sensors to enable various health and utility features in its future deviceslike the next-gen Apple Watch models, iPhones, and iPads.
Amongst others, one of the patents shows (image below) an Apple Watch with a pressure-sensitive side button, suggesting that Apple could soon replace the current physical button of the Apple Watch with one of these.
The patent also states that Apple could use the new technology to develop electromechanical fluid pressure sensors for the Apple Watch. These will be designed for“small form factor devices”andwill be substantially smaller than regular force sensors. Hence, the new pressure sensors will help Apple eliminate mechanical parts from the Apple Watch models to make them more durable and rugged.
Another interesting patent reveals that the company mightuse the new force-pressure sensors to develop smart strapsfor the Apple Watch. These specialized straps would be able to detect blood pressure and pulse wave velocity of wearers. A similar Apple Watch band was hinted at byanother patent last year.
3D Touch for MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads?
Other than these, some of the patents show how thenew electromechanical fluid pressure sensors can be integrated into the trackpads of MacBooksor iPhone and iPad displays. These will enable the devices to“precisely detect small or gradual changes in force.”
Furthermore, the patent images show that Apple could use multiple small modules of the sensors instead of using a single component. This leads us to believethat the companycould bring a 3D touch-like feature with its upcoming iPhones or iPads. For those unaware, 3D touch was a popular feature on iPhones, which was later removed primarily due to the high manufacturing cost.
Now, although these patents seemingly suggest new features for Apple devices, it is worth mentioning that most of the patents from Apple do not see the light of the day. So, we’d suggest you take the above information with a grain of salt, and let us know your thoughts on them in the comments below.
Dwaipayan Sengupta
A geek at heart, you’ll find me fidgeting with an iOS device or sitting in front of the laptop, scouring the internet to find interesting technological innovations. In my free time, you’d find me playing Valorant or listening to Pink Floyd.
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