Apple has been granted a patent for an Apple Watch equipped with a camera in an unusual location. Technology is advancing at an incredible pace, which means that companies that want to maintain their position must plan years in advance and not rest on their laurels. Patents can be useful in understanding a company's thought process, although they do not necessarily indicate that the product is under development or will be produced by the company in the near future, or even at all. In recent years, information has emerged about Apple's potential plans for smartwatches, and it appears that Apple is seriously considering adding a camera to the Apple Watch. Here are some details.
Earlier this month, the Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple a patent for a smartwatch equipped with a camera, with the camera component placed on the underside of the watch. Although its placement in this location may seem irrational at first glance, as it is directly facing your wrist, the patent describes a system that would make this usable in certain scenarios.
The trick lies in the wristband, which will have two parts: the top part with the watch itself, which can be easily separated from the bottom part. So, if you want to take a picture using an Apple Watch, you can easily detach it from your wrist, take the picture, and reattach the watch to the wristband.
The summary and description section of the patent also provides information on a strip with two sections and a "Nest area," and the aim of this design is to create a fast and convenient way to remove the watch from the strap and reattach it easily.
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This is not Apple's first patent describing a smartwatch with a built-in camera. In 2022, Apple was granted a similar patent, but in a more traditional way, with the camera integrated into the digital crown of the watch. Apple also granted another similar patent in 2019.
As we mentioned, owning a patent does not necessarily mean that the company will develop such devices, as they may remain shelved and never see the light of day.