Apple has been granted a patent that hints at edge illuminators for the Apple Watch and, perhaps, an “Apple Ring.” However, I personally don’t think we’ll see the latter device anytime soon.
About the patent
The patent — dubbed “Electronic devices with edge illuminators” — doesn’t directly mention an Apple ring, but several accompanying illustrations are for a ring device.
The patent relates generally to electronic devices, and, more particularly, to electronic devices with visual output devices. However, Apple says it can be challenging to incorporate visual output devices into electronic devices. In some scenarios, displays may be too bulky to incorporate into wearable devices without sacrificing comfort. In other scenarios, displays may convey too much information and may be a distraction for the user.
Apple’s idea is for an electronic device may have an edge illuminator that forms a one-dimensional display. The edge illuminator may form a closed loop, may be straight, curved, segmented, or continuous, may be integrated into fabric, may be integrated into a speaker housing, may be integrated into a wearable band, a wearable device, a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, a yoga mat or other fitness equipment, and/or an accessory such as a purse or bag, an electronic device case or cover, a pair of headphones, or other accessory, and/or may form part of any other suitable item.
The edge illuminator may be mounted on a front edge of a device, a side edge of a device, a rear edge of a device, and/or any other suitable edge of a device. The edge illuminator may include a one-dimensional array of pixels formed from light-emitting diodes or other light-emitting devices. The edge illuminator may provide illumination to the border area of a device.
The illumination may serve as low-resolution visual output for conveying certain information to a user without providing so much information that the user is distracted or otherwise interrupted from a present task.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “An electronic device such as a wrist band may include a strip of fabric that wraps around a longitudinal axis. A one-dimensional array of light sources may be embedded in the strip of fabric and may emit light parallel to the longitudinal axis to produce edge illumination along an edge of the strip of fabric.
“Optical structures such as light-diffusing strands, light-diffusing polymer structures, and/or light guides may be located between the light sources and the edge of the strip of fabric to help diffuse light and/or guide light to the edge of the strip of fabric. Light-reflecting layers may be formed on inner surfaces of the fabric. Control circuitry may control the light sources to produce the edge illumination in response to an event occurring on an external electronic device such as a notification on an external display.”
About an “Apple Ring”
A December 2024 Geeky Gadgets report talks about the “potential futures and benefits” of an “Apple Ring,” though the Sellers Research Group (that’s me) doesn’t think we’ll see such a device.
The article admits that a ring device from the tech giant is just a rumor, but says an Apple Smart Ring might arrive in 2026 and “could reshape the wearable market, offering a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch and rival products like the Samsung Galaxy Ring.”
According to Geeky Gadgets, industry experts anticipate several standout features that could set it apart from competitors:
- Extended Battery Life: One of the most anticipated features is a significantly longer battery life compared to typical smartwatches. The Apple Smart Ring could potentially last between 5 and 10 days on a single charge, addressing a common frustration among wearable users and reducing the need for frequent recharging.
- NFC Payments: The integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology could enable secure, contactless payments through Apple Pay. With just a tap of the ring, users could make quick and convenient purchases without the need for a phone or wallet.
- Vibration Notifications: Subtle vibration alerts for calls, messages, or app updates could keep users informed without disrupting their environment or drawing unwanted attention.
- Seamless Ecosystem Integration: As with all Apple products, seamless integration with the company’s ecosystem is expected to be a cornerstone of the Apple Smart Ring. Compatibility with devices like the Apple Watch, iPhone, and the upcoming Vision Pro headset could make the ring a versatile tool for controlling devices, receiving notifications, and accessing health data effortlessly.
- Advanced Health Sensors: Apple may incorporate advanced health sensors, such as those for measuring blood oxygen levels or tracking stress, to differentiate its smart ring from competitors and provide users with a more comprehensive picture of their well-being.
On October 7, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that “Apple isn’t actively developing a ring and has no plans to launch one, because it would detract from the Apple Watch.”
However, Apple has been filed for, and been granted, dozens of patents for a ring device. For example, on October 31, Apple filed for a patent for an “Electronic Device System With Ring Devices.”
As I’ve said before, I think Apple already has enough products — both hardware and software — without adding another new category. In the past Apple canceled plans for making its own HDTV and an Apple Car (thought the company spent billions on the latter before it came to its senses).
Apple currently makes Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Vision Pros, HomePods/HomePod minis, and the Apple TV set-top box, as well as all the accompanying software and apps. The company also has a plethora of Services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Books, etc.
Apple needs to concentrate on those products/services — and do some much-needed work/updates on, for example, the Apple TV set-top box and Apple Books. The company apparently has long-term plans for the Vision Pro and its follow-up devices. That’s a good thing.
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