Apple Watch Band Might Have Wrist ID And Self-Tightening Ability

Apple has a bunch of ideas regarding what it should do with the Apple Watch bands, and a few days ago, a few patents surface suggesting some interesting possibilities. One of these ideas involving a smarter and quicker way for the watch to recognize its user without reaching for another Apple’s device or typing in a passcode.

Biometric Authentication Sensor

This patent indicates that Apple is looking into the possibility of integrating a biometric sensor to the Apple Watch band. The sensor can tell that is you from the texture patterns in your wrist.

Any wearable device may consist of a body and a band to secure the main part on user’s wrist. Apple suggests that the biometric sensor might be carried by the band or the body itself. The sensor may have biometric sensing pixels to gather skin texture pattern images from user’s wrist.

The patent also refers to a thermal sensor to detect both patterns in wrist-hair and the skin. With this method, the watch can unlock as soon as user puts it on.

Apple Watch Band With Indicators

Another patent suggests that the band can carry visual indicators for things like which activity is being tracked and more information on user’s progress toward their preset goal.

According to the patent, this way of displaying information can make sure that only the user can see the content.

The possible indicators include a digital display, an analog display, and a status light. In some cases, users may not want anyone, but themselves, to have access to the information the watch is displaying, for example, medical, fitness, or health data.

For now, the idea of someone glancing at the watch face might not be something that can worry a typical user, but in the future, when the watch contains some sensitive health information, this function might come in handy.

A Band That Can Self-Tighten

The last patent spotted is about a kind of technology that allows the Apple watch to adjust its fit for better monitoring user’s heart rate. What we are talking about is a motorized watch band.

Some companies offer user-adjustable sizes like the traditional eyelet and pin, or buckling clasp. Others have a fixed size, and if users want to change anything, they may need expertise or specialized tools. Another type of band is the elasticated expansion-type one that can stretch and adjust to fit user’s wrist.

When the band fits to tightly, user’s skin or hair might be pulled; when it is too loose, the watch can slide up and down along the arm or even turn about the wrist. These issues can make users feel extra uncomfortable while they are engaging in some kind of physical activities like sports or running.

It is not the first time Apple takes an interest in using a motor in the watchband. We have heard of haptic motors that can deliver a tap to user’s wrist from the watch or the band.