Apple considers Apple Watch bands that have extra functionality

Future Apple Watch bands may have additional features and do more than simply keep the smart watch on your wrist. Apple has applied for a patent (number 20190187808) for a “wrist-worn electronic device and methods thereof.”

What sort of additional functionality? One would be extra battery life. Another would be, per the patent filing, a FM receiver. Still another would be additional health monitoring features.

Here’s Apple’s summary of the invention: “According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. 

“Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.”

Of course, Apple files for — and is granted — lots of patents by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Many are for inventions that never see the light of day. However, you never can tell which ones will materialize in a real product.