In a recent report, Apple is revealed to be contemplating innovative ideas for future wearables while also considering enhancements to its popular AirPods.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has explored the concept of a smart ring, although it is not actively pursuing its development. Similarly, the company is deliberating the feasibility of smart glasses and the possibility of embedding miniature cameras into AirPods to harness AI advantages. While these ideas are still in the exploratory phase, Apple’s history of patent filings suggests long-standing consideration of such wearable technologies, dating back over a decade.
Previous patents from Apple depict designs for smart rings featuring touchscreen displays, processors, wireless transceivers, and rechargeable power sources, resembling miniature versions of the Apple Watch. However, it’s important to note that filing patents does not guarantee the eventual production of a device.
Furthermore, Apple is investigating ways to innovate its AirPods lineup by testing the integration of low-resolution cameras into earbuds, potentially enabling AI utilization to assist users in monitoring daily activities and optimizing routines. Despite these developments, Apple has not provided immediate comment regarding these initiatives.
Competition in the wearables market poses a challenge for Apple, particularly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses gaining traction, boasting AI functionalities such as video recording, live streaming, and music playback. Nevertheless, Apple remains committed to exploring avenues for wearable innovation.
Additionally, while the smart ring concept is not currently active, some Apple employees support the idea as a budget-friendly health and fitness tracking alternative for users not wearing an Apple Watch. This potential smart ring could compete with offerings from Oura and Samsung, the latter teasing a Galaxy smart ring set to debut later this year, focusing on health metric monitoring.
Apple’s exploration of future wearables reflects its ongoing commitment to technological advancement and consumer-centric innovation in the ever-evolving realm of wearable technology.