Apple has applied for several patents related to the rumored “AirPods Studio.” The over-the-ear headphones are expected to include:
° Include sensors that can detect whether the headphones are on your head or neck. Neck detection can be used to keep the headset turned on while the music is paused.
° Another sensor that will be able to detect left and right ears to automatically route the audio channels, meaning there’ll be no right or wrong side to use AirPods Studio.
° Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode; users will be able to switch between the modes.
The AirPods Pro are expected to arrive this year and be mainly targeted to pro users, who will be able to unlock custom equalizer settings. All the new patent filings are for user convenience features that could include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user’s head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed in the patent filing.
Patent filing number 20200280801 is for “headphones with increased back volume” and involves improving the overall volume with Surround Sound-like quality.
Patent filing number 20200280786 is for “headphones with magnetic sensor.” It involves improving the overall user experience by incorporating an array of sensors and new mechanical features into the headphones.
Patent filing number 20200280785, patent filing number 20200280784, and patent filing filing number 20200280794 are for, respectively, “headphones with removable earpieces,” “headphones with telescoping stem assembly,” and “headphone ear pads with textile layering having a low porosity region.” Basically, all involve ways to disassemble and reassemble the AirPods Studio for storing them in a suitcase or carry bag when traveling.
The accompanying AirPods Studios mock-up is courtesy of AppleMagazine.com.