Apple’s AirPods could take a considerable leap in features. At least, so suggests a new patent published by the company, in which they describe how the case for their wireless headphones could include a small touch screen to perform some controls. Yes, as if it were an iPod nano.
The patent, in particular, was published by Apple in September 2021. However, until now it has not been published in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. receives the name of “Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interface Interactions with a Headphone Case” and details, among other things, how the box used to charge AirPods can be made more useful by implementing a screen.
“The utility of a headset case can be enhanced, and user control over wireless headsets can be enhanced,” the patent describes. Apple details that this would be possible “by configuring a headphone case with an interactive user interface that allows the user to control the operations associated with wireless headphones.” For example, heto play music, switch audio output modes, etc.
“You need a headphone case that can control operations traditionally associated with headphones (eg playback controls, switching audio sources, switching audio output modes, etc.). Also needed is a headset case that can convey information to the user through haptic and/or display devices […]. Such methods and interfaces reduce the number, scope, and/or nature of a user’s inputs and produce a more efficient human-machine interface.
Some AirPods with a screen to control playback that we probably won’t see
In the patent it is also possible to see different images that visually demonstrate what that screen present on the front of the AirPods case would look like. One of the images shows a playback control for what appears to be Apple Music. It includes, for example, the ability to go back or skip the song, pause or resume it, or increase the volume. This screen will likely also allow you to invoke Siri, play visual content such as album covers, or even control the different cancellation modes of the AirPods Pro.
We must not forget, yes, that it is a patent; from a mere idea pitched by Apple that is, sadly, unlikely to come to fruition. Still, it’s curious to see how AirPods could become a device similar to iPod Nano.
Apple, let’s remember, also plans to make AirPods a device focused on health. With functions and sensors that allow the user get some sort of hearing diagnosis. The company, on the other hand, also has very interesting patents published for other of its products. Among them, a system capable of scanning a person’s entire body using the iPhone to provide data on health or physical condition.