Apple Inc. (AAPL) is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation with its products, and the Apple Watch is no exception. The tech giant has reportedly been exploring the integration of a diverse range of sensors into its smartwatch, with a focus on non-health-related functionalities.
According to reports, Apple has been considering incorporating sensors such as anemometers, bolometers, heat flux sensors, solar radiation sensors, thermometers, and water sensors into future iterations of the Apple Watch. These sensors, while not primarily health-focused, could potentially offer a variety of new features and applications for users.
For example, the anemometer could be used to calculate a user’s power output during exercise in windy conditions, as well as for weather sensing and forecasting. The incorporation of these sensors could open up a whole new world of possibilities for the Apple Watch, expanding its capabilities beyond just health monitoring.
The newly revealed patent applications published by Apple highlight the potential difficulty of integrating environmental sensors into devices with limited space, such as the Apple Watch. However, the proposed sensors all operate in similar ways, potentially overcoming this space constraint.
This development comes on the heels of Apple halting the sale of smartwatches that come with blood oxygen tracking in the U.S. after a federal appeals court reinstated a ban on Apple Watches with blood oxygen sensors. The ban was the result of a lawsuit filed by Masimo Corp. (MASI), alleging infringement on its patents related to monitoring blood oxygen levels and heart rate.
Overall, the integration of a diverse range of sensors into the Apple Watch could significantly enhance the user experience and open up new possibilities for functionality. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of wearable technology.
