20 unknown patents that Apple has in the drawer

21st place: the ranking

Every year Apple makes countless patent applications to prepare for the future. The following ranking presents a selection of these patents. Status is 20.09.2024.

Source: finanzen.net, picture: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

20th place: wireless charging through the display

Apple has received a patent for a new technology that makes it possible to charge iPhones, iPads and MacBooks directly through the display. This innovative system could allow users to simply place small devices such as AirPods or the Apple Watch on the display of a larger device in order to supply them with energy wirelessly. This would enable seamless integration of the charging function into existing devices and could significantly improve user -friendliness and design.

Source: patentlyapple.com Image: Apple / USPTO

19th place: Measure brain activity with the AirPods sensor system

A recent patent from Apple shows the vision of monitoring the brain activity of the user with Airpods. The AirPods sensor system should be able to capture biometric data such as brain waves, which could be used, among other things, for health and fitness treatments. This technology could help analyze the user’s mental state in real time and give feedback.

Source: patentlyapple.com Image: Apple / USPTO

18th place: magnetic keyboard

An Apple patent presents a new magnetic keyboard in which magnetic sensors control the key movement. This technology could not only increase the lifetime of laptops, but also offer improved haptic feedback by enables precise input. In addition, a flatter keyboard design could be implemented by the magnetic construction.

Source: patentlyapple.com Image: Apple / USPTO

17th place: Smart Fabric

Apple has submitted a patent that describes so -called “Smart Fabric”, an intelligent textile technology in which electrical components and advanced sensors are integrated directly into the seams of clothing. This material could be used to carry and control electronic devices directly on the body, which could make the interaction with devices such as iPhones or Apple Watches more seamless.

Source: patentlyapple.com Image: Apple / USPTO

16th place: welding sensor for the Apple Watch

Apple works on a new welding sensor for the Apple Watch, as a current patent reveals. By measuring sweat data, the sensor could provide information about the fluid balance, the electrolyst state or the general health state of the user. This data could be used for health and fitness applications, but also for preventive measures.

Source: patentlyapple.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

15th place: magnetic sensors as a loading connection

A patent that is officially granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office provides for an accessory by which the electronic devices can be charged via magnet sensors. Among other things, a robust connection between the device and the connecting plug could be established and the charging process is facilitated.

Source: Patentlyapple, Image: Apple / Uspto

14th place: body movements to control XR devices

In this patent submitted in September 2020, Apple deals with the use of so-called “micro gestures” or the use of body movements as a means of controlling XR devices. For example, users should be able to hit directional selections through their fingers.

Source: Roadtovr.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

13th place: Virtual audio system for MacBooks

This patent includes an audio processing system for future MacBook ProS that process an audio signal that is divided into at least three paths. This is intended to give users the impression that the source of the acoustic signal does not come from the speakers, but from another place in the room.

Source: Patentlyapple, Image: Apple / Uspto

12th place: foldable iPhone display

In the meantime, foldable devices have recently moved into the tech market. Apple also wants to keep the possibility of its own foldable iPhone open and has registered a patent in this regard. The design should be sophisticated and equipped with a flexible display that it can be bent until the device is fully folded up in the middle – without damaging the display.

Source: Appleinsider.com, Image: Apple, United States Patent Application Publication No. US2013/0010405

11th place: a paper bag

A strange, further patent is a supposedly innovative paper bag. The innovation of the bag patented by Apple is how it is to be held together with such a high proportion of recycled material, because white paper bags are generally quite thin due to the large amount of bleaching agents used. For this reason, the company has developed a number of changes to help ensure that the bags remain both pearl and environmentally friendly.

Source: Theguardian, Image: Apple / Uspto

10th place: iPhone with an all -round screen

In addition to a foldable design, Apple seems to try further changes to the iPhone smartphone seller. In the patent, the device is completely enveloped by glass and has an all -round screen instead of the conventional, flat display.

Source: Hypebeast.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

9th place: Expansion of the Face ID system

Another patent shows potential plans from Apple to improve the consistency of the existing Face ID system. For this purpose, the modules were positioned within the patented system so that they can take up a precise picture of the user and the biometric characteristics for each selfie. This is intended to work more reliably and better to unlock and all other functions that run through facial recognition.

Source: Mobileidworld.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

8th place: laptop/iPhone hybrid system

This Apple patent provides for a hybrid device in which an Apple laptop can be supplied with electricity through an iPhone. For this purpose, a specially made device for the smartphone in or on the keyboard is intended.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

7th place: flexible MacBook

Analogous to a foldable iPhone, Apple also seems to make considerations of also equipping the MacBooks with more flexible designs. According to this patent, the hinges between display and keyboard are to be replaced by a “flexible part”.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

6th place: pen from the air for input

A realization of this patent would enable users to carry out their entries and drawings in the future in the future. Accordingly, it is intended that the input device can identify the content based on the position and/or movement without the need for contact with the surface.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

5th place: color -sking Apple pen for designers

This patent describes a color sensor in a drawing pen from Apple, which is equipped with several photo detectors. This should be able to transmit a color from the real world by only pointing it to it with the input pencil. This recognizes and takes over the color and the users can immediately use for your designs.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

4th place: connected iPads

Another Apple patent provides for another idea with which creative designs can also be implemented, among other things. An accessory is provided with which two iPads can be connected. For example, an iPad can be used as a display and the other as a keyboard.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

3rd place: infrared heat recording

In one of the previous Apple patents, the operation of XR technologies has already been used using body movements. Another patent deals with infrared heat recording to recognize when users touch a real object. As the Appleinsider portal speculates, this technology can be used for potential Apple Glasses in order to have any surface converted into a screen in the future.

Source: Appleinsider.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

2nd place: headphones that send vibrations through bones

In order to improve the sound quality of the audio devices, Apple has dealt with a somewhat unconventional path. In an submitted patent, Apple wants to ensure the transmission of the sound by bones that are in the skull, such as the jawbones, the cheekbones or the nasal bone.

Source: creativebloq.com, Image: Apple / Uspto

1st place: New design of an Apple Watch

As has already become apparent in the previous patents, is working and researching Apple on potential new design options for the existing devices. This can also be seen in this patent, which provides for a completely new design for the Apple Watch: a rounded dial, a flexible display and digitally customizable watch bracelets.

Source: macrumors.com, Image: Apple / USPTO