The Apple Smart Ring has been rumored for a while now, and a new patent filing has shed some light on the kind of device the Cupertino-based tech giant has in mind. According to the filing, the smart ring may not only focus on health features, but could also offer a new way to control other Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more. Notably, a similar patent filing from the company was spotted last year that delved into the technical workings of the device. The new one focuses on sensors and how they could be used.
Apple Smart Ring can control these devices
In the patent application (via AppleInsider) published by the United States Patent Office (USPTO) describes a “Ring Device” that can be configured to control and interact with multiple electronic devices in the user’s vicinity. Notably, the filing doesn’t just mention Apple devices. It also mentions a wide range of devices, such as the HomePod, Apple TV, and even an office lamp.
Patent application for Apple Smart Ring
Photo Credit: USPTO/Apple
Based on the patent filing, it seems that the tech giant could position the device as a central hub for other devices. The word control is used vaguely, as it’s not clear whether the smart ring will be able to perform certain tasks on the device’s behalf, or whether it would direct the device to perform those tasks.
Through illustrations, the application highlights that the device will feature multiple sensors, such as inertial measurement units and bod-based sensors that can pick up input signals in different ways. The device is even said to feature a microphone. This is further emphasized as the application states that the ring can accept input in the form of hand gestures, touch input, force input, voice input, pointer input, gaze input, and more.
Positioning it as a central hub, the company emphasized that the device can be worn all day. Proximity will likely play a role as well, as the application describes the use of near-field communication (NFC) tags. It also states that more than one ring can be worn simultaneously on the same finger or multiple fingers.
The patent application leaves a few things up in the air. For example, it doesn’t explain the purpose of using multiple rings and how one ring will connect to another. It also doesn’t explain whether there will be a companion device or app to customize input methods. It should be noted, however, that this is just a patent application. Even if Apple gets the patent, this smart ring may or may not be produced by the company.
