A new patent allows us to learn that Apple is heavily studying electromyography. A technology to be implanted in a bracelet to allow you to interact with connected devices without even touching their screen.
An EMG bracelet to control your iPhone hands-free
Apple recently patented new types of connected bracelets capable of detecting advanced hand gestures using electromyography (EMG). These devices use sensors to capture electrical signals generated by muscles during hand or finger movements. This technology could make it possible to control various electronic devices (like an iPhone or a Mac) without touching them directly, simply through gestures.
The patent describes several designs of these bracelets, including lightweight models, adjustable or integrated into connected watches like the Apple Watch. The applications envisaged range from intuitive navigation in interfaces to support for augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR) environments such as on the Apple Vision Pro.
In Apple’s patent, several specific applications of connected bracelets based on EMG are described:
- Precise gesture interactions: Finger or hand gestures could be used to manipulate virtual objects, select options from a menu, or even type on a virtual keyboard. This could revolutionize controls in AR/VR environments.
- Contactless control: the goal is to enable natural and intuitive interactions with devices, eliminating the need to touch a screen or keyboard. The bracelets could even recognize complex or personalized gestures for different users.
- Modular design: Apple is considering bracelets integrated into other products such as the Apple Watch, or autonomous models, adjustable according to the use or comfort of the user.
- Medical and sports adaptation: these bracelets could also be used to monitor muscle activity in medical or sporting contexts, for example to analyze performance or detect neuromuscular disorders.
A technology similar to what is already done on a small scale on Apple Watch and Vision Pro. Pinching two fingers or making a fist allows, for example, the connected watch to react without touching the screen. Same on the AR/VR headset with pinching your thumb and index finger to grab and widen a window.
Meta recently introduced an EMG wristband to control future Orion AR glasses and potentially other devices with hand gestures. While this system is promising, Meta has clarified that it will never completely replace the Quest’s controllers, for example. The EMG bracelet is still far from being a mature technology.
Small final verse to remind you that we are talking here about a simple patent. The technologies discussed and drawn in the sketches may never see the light of day. However, this confirms that Apple still has ideas in stock to improve interaction with its various devices.
