APPLE CORE

Watch This Space

A slimmer, round-faced watch may be the future

Apple Watch has been a solid success. In true Apple style it has sold well and disrupted the market while simultaenously broadcasting the device’s functionality the world over. So maybe it’s time for the Apple Watch revolution to keep turning. We’ve investigated a number of Apple patents and it seems change may be on the way.

US patent application 2016/0231815 shows that Apple is looking at moving haptic response to the wristband of the Watch – a move that would free up room to make the Watch slimmer or add extra functionality – fancy one with a camera?

Another patent application (2016/0351098) reveals plans for an ‘Electronic Device Having Display With Curved Edges’ – or, a round-faced watch, as you’ll find on most watches and which has always seemed a safe bet.

Alex says… The Apple Watch hasn’t won everyone over, so this is Apple’s chance to really wow people

SLIMMER

Fashion has always been a key aspect of Apple Watch’s design and, when it comes to watches, slim and elegant is always a winning combination. Or, the vacated space could be used to pack in more features.

CIR CULAR DE SIGN

Rectangular watches are all well and good, but watches traditionally are circular, and if Apple have solved that problem technically you would expect them to look at introducing a circular watch – plenty of other companies do them.

CAMERA

In last issue’s iOpener, we featured the CMRA strap with a built-in camera. There’s potential now for Apple to place a camera on the Watch itself. This would make selfies even simpler to take.

HAPTIC WRI STBAND

This potental development is at the heart of this particular rumour. Shifting the haptic response to the strap allows for more precise feedback, as well as freeing up space in the Watch itself.